322 
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES 
BREEDING 
Like M. aureolum, this species runs upstream to spawn, the run being coincident 
with the leaving of the ice. 
Family CYPRINID/E, Minnows 
11. Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus. Carp, German carp. 
RECORD OF CAPTURE 
A number of larvse and young adults of this species were taken in a dip net off 
Crescent Beach on June 29, 1929. The carp is very abundant and widely distributed 
throughout the Lake Erie region in nearly all waters except the small rapid creeks. 
A native of Asia, but introduced into America for pond culture, it is now one of the 
commonest species of Lake Erie. 
DESCRIPTION 
The early larva is easily recognized by its comparatively large size, 9 to 10 
millimeters, and heavy black pigmentation, and in the postlarval stages by its long 
dorsal (III, 20) and short anal (III, 5), and the appearance of two barbels on either 
side of upper jaw. Although the quillback, C. cyprinus, has a similarly long dorsal, 
the large terminal mouth, large eye, and comparatively short cheek of the carp will 
prevent any confusion. A myomere count of 19 plus 15-17 in the young carp, and 
25 plus 12 + in the quillback differentiates them further. 
10.0-millimeter stage . — Total length, 10.0; standard length, 8.4; length to vent, 
6.4; length of head, 2.5; snout, 0.46; diameter of eye, 0.8; greatest depth before vent, 
1.9 millimeters. Myomeres, 18 to vent plus 12 behind. Body stout; head rather 
small; moderate mouth extending slightly past front of large eye at this stage. 
Rounded pectorals unrayed; dorsal showing about 10 elements and 6 rays developed; 
anal elements and rays evident; caudal forked, rays formed; no ventrals apparent. 
Pigmentation. — Both jaws, top of head, and dorsal aspect are covered by large 
stellate chromatophores. Pigment spots are fewer on sides of head and body to 
lateral line. Lateral line is marked by a double subsurface series, and subsurface 
chromatophores appear also on gills and on dorsal surface of intestines. There is a 
broken double ventral series to vent, heavier on ridge behind vent to caudal. All 
fins are marked with chromatophores. 
13.3-millimeter stage . — Total length, 13.3; standard length, 11.1; length to vent, 
8.52; length of head, 3.7; snout, 1.1; diameter of eye, 1.0; greatest depth before vent, 
2.75 millimeters. Myomeres, 21 (22) to vent plus 13 behind. Differing from pre- 
