Mirror carp – characteristics of the species

Many trophy fishing trips, such as carp fishing, focus on this large carp. But the mirror carp clearly stands out from its relatives, so experienced anglers consider catching one a definite success.

It's worth noting that this fish is a domesticated species. It's found in many bodies of water in Russia. Furthermore, private fisheries often breed it, as well as another relative of carp, the grass carp.

Differences and features

A particular advantage of mirror carp is their enormous size. But the piglet, as anglers like to call them, also possesses other characteristics superior to their carp relatives. These characteristics look like this:

• Mirror carp was bred through selective breeding in Germany.
• Large scales don't cover the fish's entire body. Sometimes, there are two or three stripes running along its sides, which stand out and shimmer in the light. It's because of this feature that the fish is nicknamed the "mirror fish."
• Mirror carp are distinguished from common carp by their massive, thick belly and slightly smaller head, which is topped with thick lips and whiskers. Mirror carp have a hump on their body.
• The commercial value of mirror carp makes this species stand out. Omnivorous and fast-growing, they can bring in excellent income for breeders. They are often found in home and private ponds and reservoirs.

Carp species do not have an intestinal tract, so the fish must constantly feed, which allows them to grow in the shortest possible periods.

Appearance and size of mirror carp

To the distinctive features described earlier, the following can be added:

• The fish's body is dark. Shades can vary, from green to brown or black. Mirror carp's appearance often depends on their habitat. For example, if the body of water is densely covered with weeds, the fish will have a greenish color.
• The belly of the carp is light, colored in golden or yellowish shades.
• Because these fish grow quickly, they can gain considerable weight in a single season. One-year-olds weigh around 1 kg. A year later, they can weigh almost 3 kg. It's worth noting that mirror carp can often weigh over 10-12 kg. The record-breaking trophy, caught in Hungary, weighed 45 kg. This fish is considered a long-lived fish, capable of living up to 50 years.

In the Russian Federation, as throughout the continent—that is, Eurasia—mirror carp can be caught in a variety of bodies of water. This allows fishermen from many countries to hunt this large and unique aquatic species.