The common carp, also known as the European carp, is a prolific freshwater fish which lives in lakes and large rivers in Europe and Asia. The native wild populations have been designated as considered vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Despite this, the species has been introduced into multiple environments worldwide, often being considered a destructive and invasive species.
The history of carp being used as a food source dates back to the Roman times, something which has continued through to toda
y. Many areas of the world still regularly eat carp, although the species itself is often regarded as a pest, due to their ability to out-compete other types of native fish.
The first common carp was first found in the inland delta of the Danube River, approximately 2000 years ago, and was described as being torpedo shaped and golden-yellow in colour. It had two pairs of barbels and a scale pattern resembling mesh. Although initially kept in constrained captivity, it was later held in larger, specially built ponds by the Romans in southern Europe. As aquaculture became profitable, efforts were made to farm carp.
