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Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Fish Around Las Vegas, Wildlife Around Las Vegas
Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

General: Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) are large, non-native fish with large scales that form a mesh pattern on the sides and back. The mouth is an extendable sucker under the snout. The dorsal fin is long. Common Carp have barbels (whiskers) at the corner of the mouth; Goldfish lack these structures.

Taxonomy: Family: Cyprinidae

Comments: Common carp are native to Eurasia (Asia and Europe) and eat pond scum and algae. Around Las Vegas, they are most easily seen begging for bread and popcorn at Lake Mead under the marina at Boulder Beach.

Common Carp have been introduced into the Colorado and many other rivers and large ponds for who knows what reason. They are considered trash fish by most fishermen, they dig up the bottom of ponds and damage the habitat for other species, and they eat the eggs and larvae of native species.

Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Common Carp have barbels (whiskers); Goldfish lack these structures.
Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Feeding Common Carp is a popular family activity ...
Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
... at Boulder Beach Marina in Lake Mead NRA
Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Carp in a neighborhood pond
Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Carp along edge of marina
Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Common Carp hoping for a piece of popcorn
Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Common Carp hoping for a piece of popcorn
Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Swirling mass of Common Carp hoping for the last piece of popcorn
Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Carp at Boulder Beach Marina in Lake Mead NRA
Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
copyright; Last updated 240627
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