Author: (Linnaeus, 1758)
FBname: Crucian carp
Comments: Adults occur in shallow ponds, lakes rich in vegetation and slow moving rivers.  They burrow in mud in the dry season or during winter (Ref. 2163).  Usually restricted to densely vegetated backwaters and oxbows of lowland rivers.  Can survive at high temperatures and at very low oxygen concentrations during summer and under ice cover (Ref. 59043).  Tolerates cold, organic pollutants, and low oxygen levels in the water (Ref. 30578).  Feeds all day but mainly at night on plankton, benthic invertebrates, plant materials and detritus.  Usually does not occur in waters with rich ichthyofauna and abundant predatory species, but very abundant in  the absence of other fish species.  Spawns in dense submerged vegetation (Ref. 59043).  Marketed fresh and frozen; eaten fried, broiled and baked (Ref. 9988).  Live up to about 10 years.  There is a gradual but continuing extirpation in many water bodies, especially in Danube drainage and central Europe, possibly to due competition with introduced <i>Carassius gibelio</i> in non-optimal habitats (Ref. 59043).