7870

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7870
• Author: Lentsch, L. D., et al.
• Title: Options For Selective Control Of Nonnative Fishes In The Upper Colorado River Basin - Final Report.
• USFW Year: 1996.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

General Habitat:
There is a Habitat Suitability Index Model for common carp
[Edwards and Twomey 19821 that summarizes the species' habitat
requirements and preferences.
Hardy, prolific fish capable of adapting to a wide variety
of environmental conditions. Tolerant of low D.O., dramatic
and sudden temperature changes, and high levels of pollution
(even seek out effluent releases with high concentrations of
nutrients and trace elements). Prefer warm lakes,
reservoirs, and rivers with quiet, dark holes and an
abundance of aquatic vegetation [Sigler 19581. Found in
habitats with various substrates and tolerant of clear or
turbid water but generally not found in clear, cold water or
rivers with high gradients.
Examples of Environmental Factors Affecting Distribution or
Abundance:
¦ Tolerant of an incredibly wide range of physicochemical
parameters. Tolerate a wide range of TDS and pH and high
concentrations of nutrients.
¦ Factors negatively affecting common carp populations
include disappearance of feeding and spawning areas,
predation, pollution, siltation, parasitism, and disease
[Sigler 1958].
¦ Avoid swift water, except during spawning, and depths >
33 m [Sigler 1958] .
Temperature.-
¦ Optimum temperatures range 17-32°C, depending on
acclimation temperature [Sigler 19581.
¦ Depending on acclimation temperature, CTM is between
31 and 36°C. The lower lethal body temperature is
0.70C [Sigler 1958).
¦ Common carp are sluggish and don't feed at
temperatures < 4.50C [Sigler 1958].
Dissolved Oxygen.-
One of the last species to survive in waters
depleted of oxygen (< 0.1 mg/L) [Becker 19831.
43