Common carp introduction & Morphology and its behaviour characteristics

The Eurasian carp or European carp (Cyprinus carpio), widely known as the common carp, is a widespread freshwater fish of eutrophic waters in lakes and large rivers in Europe and Asia. The native wild populations are considered vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN),but the species has also been domesticated and introduced (see aquaculture) into environments worldwide, and is often considered a destructive invasive species, being included in the list of the world's 100 worst invasive species. It gives its name to the carp family, Cyprinidae.

1. Topic: Cyprinus carpio (common carp) Presented by: Syeda azka Fatima Reg no: 20M-uoc/zol-40 Bs -zoology Session; 2020-2024 Subject: ichthyology Submitted by: d r . syeda Nadia ahmed Department of zoology University of chakwal 1

2. Introduction classification Distribution Habitat Physical characters Unique characters Diet Reproduction Parental behavior Predation Introduction of common carp in Pakistan Impact of common carp on fish farming and method Recent researches conclusion references Table of content: 2

3. introduction Cyprinus carpio is commonly known as common carp. Freshwater fish specie belonging to family Cyprinidae . Native of Europe and Asia. Exotic specie. Common carp have adaptability to various aquatic environments including rivers, lakes, ponds and reservoirs. Significant role in aquaculture, providing a valuable source of protein for human consumption worldwide. 3

4. Popular among recreational anglers due to their large size and strong fighting ability. Considered as invasive in certain ecosystems where they have been introduced but they can outcompete native species and disturb aquatic ecosystems. Because of this, it is included in the list of the world’s 100 worst invasive species. (Satoh, s.,2017) Figure: Common carp 4

5. classification Domain: Eukaryota Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyrinidae Subfamily: Cyprininae Genus: Cyprinus Species: C.carpio 5

6. distribution Native to rivers and lakes in Europe and Asia. Believed to have originated in the Caspian and Aral Sea basins and were later introduced to other regions. Due to their popularity in aquaculture and recreational fishing, common carp have been introduced to numerous countries except Antarctica. Intentionally stocked in lakes, ponds, reservoirs and rivers for food production and sport fishing. (Satoh, s.,2017) 6

7. Habitat Although tolerant of most conditions, common carp prefer large bodies of slow or standing water and soft, vegetative sediments. As schooling fish, they prefer to be in groups of five or more. Naturally live in temperate climates in fresh or slightly brackish water with pH of 6.5-9.0. Salinity up to about 0.5%, temperatures of 3-35°C (37-95°F). Ideal temperature is 23 to 30°C (73-86°F), with spawning begin at 17-18°C (63-64°F). Easily survive in winter in a frozen-over pond, as long as some free water remains below the ice. They can also tolerate water with low oxygen levels, by gulping air at the surface. (Khan, m. N.,2016) 7

8. Physical Characteristics Body shape: Robust, elongated body with slightly flattened shape. Exhibit a deep-bodied profile, especially in older individuals. Scales : While common carp have cycloid scales, the arrangement and distribution of thes scales can create unique pattern on their body such as mottling, speckling or banding. There patterns may vary among individuals and populations. Coloration : Exhibit a range of colors including bronze, golden, brown, olive and grey. Intensity and distribution vary among individuals. (Takeuchi, T., 2002) 8

9. Fins : Single dorsal fin located in their back, which is elongated and contain strong and sharp spines. Paired pectoral, pelvic, single anal and caudal fins which help in stability and maneuverability while swimming. Mouth : Terminal mouth, located at the end of head as they are bottom feeding. It allow carp to forage on detritus, insects, crustaceans and plant matter. Size : Adults range from 30 to 90cm ( 12-35inches) in length and weighing from a few pounds to over 100 pounds in the exceptional cases. (Takeuchi, T., 2002) Figure: Physical characters 9

10. Unique characters Barbels : Four barbels, or whisker-like sensory organs, around their mouth. Used to detect food and navigate their environment. Pharyngeal teeth: Located in the throat or pharyngeal region, used for crushing or grinding of food. Long lifespan : Relatively long life span, with individuals capable of living for several decades under favorable conditions. Figure: Barbels 10

11. Diet Common carp is omnivorous, consume variety of plants and animals matter. Plants : Feed on various aquatic plants, including algae, water lilies, duckweed and other submerged or floating vegetation. Insects : Consume a variety of insects and larvae including mayflies, caddisflies, midges and beetles. Crustaceans : Also eat crustaceans such as freshwater shrimp, crayfish and small carps. Mollusks : Feed on snails and mussels, using their pharyngeal teeth to crush the shells and extract the soft tissue inside. Detritus : Known to consume organic detritus, consist of decaying plant and animal matter found on the bottom of water bodies. Fish egg and fry: In some cases, pray on eggs and fry of other fish species, particularly in situations where food resources are limited. 11

12. Reproduction and parental behavior Reproduction : Adult female lay egg 300,000 in single spawn. Spawn in spring, in response to rising temperature and rainfall. Carp can spawn multiple times in a season. In commercial operation, spawning stimulated using a process called hypophysation, where lyophilized pituitary extract is injected into the fish. The pituitary extract contain gonadotrophin hormone that stimulate gonad maturation and sex steroid production, ultimately promoting reproduction. Parental behavior: Males may construct nests or depressions in the substrate to protect eggs. Males carp may guard the fertilized eggs until they hatch, defending them against potential predators. After hatching, parent may provide some level of care for the young, although this varies among individuals and populations. (Rahman, m. M.,(2015) 12

13. predation A single carp can lay over a million eggs in a year. Eggs and fry often fall victim to bacteria, fungi and tiny predators in pond environment. Carp which survive to juvenile are preyed upon by other fish such as northern pike and several birds and mammals. On the other hand, carp also have predatory behavior. They are omnivorous and feed on variety of plants and animal matters. Carp actively hunt by using their sense of smell and taste to detect food. They may prey on smaller fishes and invertebrates. They have the strategies to evade predators such as hiding in vegetation or rapidly fleeing when threatened. (Satoh, s.,2017) 13

14. Introduction of common carp in Pakistan The common carp was introduced in Pakistan in 1964 from Thailand specifically for the purpose of aquaculture. As it thrives to a variety of habitat and is known for fast growth rate and ability to tolerate wide range of water conditions. These factors make the common carp ideal for pond culture in Pakistan and it quickly became established in many of the country’s inland waters including rivers, lakes, rivers, streams, canals, wetlands and even in village ponds, particularly in the provinces of Sindh and Punjab. Today’s it is one of the most abundant fish species in Pakistan’s freshwater ecosystems and an important food source. (Khan, m. N., 2016) 14

15. Impact of common carp on fish farming Positive impacts: Increased production: Common carp are efficient feeders and grow quickly, contributing to higher overall fish production in ponds. Polyculture: They can be effectively integrated with other fish species in a practices called polyculture. Carp stir up bottom sediments while feeding, which releases nutrients that benefit other fish feeding in the water column. Water quality management: Carp can help to improve water quality in ponds by consuming plankton and organic matter that might otherwise decompose and reduce oxygen levels. (Khan, m. N., 2016) 15

16. Negative impacts: Competition: Carp can compete with other fish species for food and resources, potentially impacting the growth and survival of native species. Habitat alteration: Their bottom-feeding behavior can stir up sediments; increasing turbidity and harming submerged vegetation crucial for some fishes. Disease transmission: Carp can carry diseases(viruses, bacteria and parasites) that can infect other fish in the pond. Overall, common carp is valuable but careful management is crucial. Stocking density need to be monitored to avoid over competition and proper pond maintenance practices are essential to mitigate impact on water quality and native fish population. (Khan, m. N., 2016) 16

17. method Importation : Common carp were likely imported from Thailand, possibly as fertilized eggs or fingerlings(young fish). Importing fingerlings would have been riskier as they are more delicate than eggs. Quarantine : They would have undergone quarantine period to ensure they were free of diseases before being introduced in Pakistan waters. Distribution : Healthy ones have been transported to fish farm and government hatcheries across Pakistan, likely in containers designed for transporting live fish. (Khan, m. N., 2016) 17

18. Stocking : At the fish farms and hatcheries, the young carp would have been placed in ponds or tanks prepared for their introduction. These ponds would have been carefully managed to ensure suitable water conditions and an adequate food supply for the young fish. Monitoring : Once introduced, monitoring of carp population is necessary to track their growth, reproduction and any potential impacts on the local ecosystems. (Khan, m. N., 2016) 18

19. Recent researches: Researches are ongoing for selective breeding with faster growth rate, improved disease resistance and better tolerance with varying water conditions, also to determine optimal dietary compositions for different carp life stages. Conclusion : The common carp is a complex creature. While it offers Pakistan economic benefits through aquaculture and a valuable food source, impact on the environment requires careful management. By adopting sustainable practices and embracing new technologies, pakistan can ensure more better carp production in future. 19

20. References : Takeuchi, T., Satoh, S., & Kiron, V. (2002). Common carp, cyprinus carpio . Nutrient requirements and feeding of finfish for aquaculture, 245-261. Rahman, m. M. (2015). Role of common carp ( cyprinus carpio ) in aquaculture production systems. Frontiers in life science, 8(4), 399-410. Flajšhans , m., & Hulata , G. (2007). Common carp- cyprinus carpio . Genetic impact of aquaculture activities on native populations (editors D. Corosetti , E. Garcia- vasquez & E. Veerspoor ). Sixth framework plan of the EC, final scientific report, 32-39. Satoh, s. (2017). Common carp, cyprinus carpio . In handbook of nutrient requirements of finfish (1991) (pp. 55-68). CRC press. Khan, m. N., Shahzad , K., Chatta , A., Sohail , M., Piria , M., & Treer , T. (2016). A review of introduction of common carp in pakistan : origin, purpose, impact and management. Croatian journal of fisheries, 74(2), 71-80. 20

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