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Common carp
Karpfen
Scientific name: Cyprinus carpio
NativeFreshwater
Behavior
A bottom-dwelling omnivore that prefers warm, slow-flowing rivers and lakes. Has a well-developed snout and often roots through mud for food; eats both plant and animal matter.
Features
Cold-blooded, body temperature follows water temperature. Highly adaptable and widely distributed. The German mirror carp is a well-known fast-growing, good-tasting variety.
Distribution
Native to Asia, later introduced to Europe as a food fish. The mirror carp originated in Bavaria and is now widespread across Germany.