General: Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) are large, non-native fish with large scales that form a mesh pattern on the sides and back. The mouth is an extendable sucker under the snout. The dorsal fin is long. Common Carp have barbels (whiskers) at the corner of the mouth; Goldfish lack these structures.

Taxonomy: Family: Cyprinidae

Comments: Common carp are native to Eurasia (Asia and Europe) and eat pond scum and algae. Around Las Vegas, they are most easily seen begging for bread and popcorn at Lake Mead under the marina at Boulder Beach.

Common Carp have been introduced into the Colorado and many other rivers and large ponds for who knows what reason. They are considered trash fish by most fishermen, they dig up the bottom of ponds and damage the habitat for other species, and they eat the eggs and larvae of native species.