Fauna
Species · GBIF taxon 2366634

Prussian Carp

Carassius gibelio

Also known as Gibel Carp, Silver Prussian Carp

Prussian carp are remarkably resilient freshwater fish capable of surviving in stagnant, low-oxygen waters where other species perish. Females often reproduce through gynogenesis, utilizing sperm from related cyprinids to activate egg development without incorporating the male's genetic material. This unusual cloning ability has allowed them to rapidly colonize ponds, lakes, and slow rivers across vast regions.

FreshwaterInvasiveHardy
Prussian Carp reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Gilles San Martin, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Insect larvae
  • Zooplankton
  • Aquatic plants
Predators
  • Northern pike
  • Zander
  • Grey heron
ThreatsWater pollution, habitat destruction
HabitatsPonds, lakes, reservoirs, slow-moving rivers
Life span10–15 years
Classification
  1. OrderCypriniformes
  2. FamilyCyprinidae
  3. GenusCarassius
  4. SpeciesCarassius gibelio
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Identification: Look for silvery-bronze scales, dark fins, and a slightly concave dorsal fin line.
  • Angling Etiquette: Wet your hands before touching to protect the protective slime layer.
  • Invasive Safeguards: Never transfer live fish or water buckets between different waterbodies.
Related species
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