FISHES OF CHESAPEAKE BAY 
121 
36. Genus CYPRINUS Linnseus. Carps 
Body robust, compressed; mouth moderate, inferior, with four barbels; snout blunt; scales 
large (wanting in the leather carp) ; lateral line complete; dorsal fin long, with three spines; anal fin 
short, also with three spines; the third spine of dorsal and of anal serrated behind. 
47. Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus. The carp. 
Cyprinus carpio Linnseus, Syst. Nat., ed. X, 1758, p. 320; Jordan and Evermann, 1896, p. 201; Fowler, 1912, p. 53. 
This fish has been domesticated and as a consequence it is subject to much variation; numerous 
varieties have resulted, which vary greatly in the depth of the body, the relative length of the 
head, the length of the fins, and especially in the number and arrangement of the scales. One 
variety has only a few scales on the back or is wholly naked and possesses a thick, soft skin. This 
variety is known as the “leather carp.” Another variety has enlarged scales on the sides, often 
in only a few rows. Such fish are known as “mirror carp.” A third variety is fully and normally 
scaled. This variety is the “scale carp” and probably is most like the original “wild” species. 
Owing to these great and numerous variations, no attempt is made to offer a technical descrip- 
tion. In general, the body is elongate and compressed, the back being elevated. The head is 
rather low and small. The dorsal fin is long, consisting of three spines and usually from 20 to 23 
soft rays. The anal fin, too, has three spines, and it has only about six soft rays. The third spine 
in both fins is enlarged and has a rough posterior edge. The upper jaw has two barbels on each 
side, which readily distinguish the carp from all American forms. 
The carp is a native of the temperate parts of Asia, especially of China, from whence it was 
introduced into Europe, Java, and also into America. Exactly when the first carp were brought 
to America has been a subject for discussion. It is claimed that they were introduced into the 
Hudson River many years before they were brought in by the United States Fish Commission in 
1877, but this report apparently never was definitely verified. A few specimens of scale carp were 
brought from Germany by a Mr. Poppe, of Sonoma, Calif., some years before they were introduced 
by the United States Fish Commission. In the Chesapeake vicinity, however, the carp was first 
introduced in 1877, when 227 leather and mirror carp and 118 scale carp were brought directly 
from Germany by a representative of the United States Fish Commission and placed in ponds 
especially prepared for their reception in Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, Md. About a year later 
several carp ponds were constructed in Washington, and a part of the brood stock originally placed 
in Druid Hill Park was transferred to Washington. Other small lots were imported in 1879 and 
1882 and placed in the aforementioned ponds. Young fish were shipped from these sources to 
various applicants, resulting in the general distribution of the carp to all suitable waters of the 
United States. 
The expectations from the introduction of the carp were great. Prof. S. F. Baird, Commissioner 
of Fisheries, stated at the time of introduction (1879, pp. 41 and 42) : 
I have for a long time attached much importance to the introduction of carp into the United States of America as supplying 
an often-expressed want of a fish for the South, representing the more northern trout and capable of being kept in ponds. In the 
carp this desideratum is amply met, with the additional advantage that the same water will furnish a much larger amount of fish 
food in the aquatic plants, roots, seeds, etc., to be found, while feeding may be accomplished by means of leaves, seeds, pieces of 
cabbage and lettuce, by crumbs of bread, or by boiled corn and potatoes or other cheap substances. * * * There is no ditch, 
or pond, or milldam, or any muddy, boggy spot capable of being converted into a pond of more or less size that will not answer for 
this fish. Except for unforeseen casualties, I fully believe that within 10 years to come this fish will become, through the agency of 
the United States Fish Commission, widely known throughout the country and esteemed in proportion. 
Prof. Baird’s expectations concerning the multiplication and distribution of this fish have been 
fully met, but the fish is not esteemed in the same proportion. In the markets of the Chesapeake 
Bay region, as elsewhere, it is considered an inferior food fish. During recent years, however, it has 
gained in favor, and the demands for it are increasing. Throughout the Mississippi Valley it is 
commercially one of the most important food fishes. 
It has attained a small commercial importance in the lower Potomac, where the pound-net 
fishermen catch them in April and May. Fishermen of Lewisetta, Va., brought in six on one April 
25, the largest weighing 25 pounds. At Love Point, Md., haul seiners consider it one of their most 
profitable fish during May. It is also taken, although sparingly, in the lower Patuxent and Choptank 
Rivers. 
