diving.voyage
Carp

Marine life profile

Carp

Recorded at 375 dive sites

Where divers encounter it

Explore Carp around the world

The term carp (pl.: carp) is a generic common name for numerous species of freshwater fish from the family Cyprinidae, a very large clade of ray-finned fish mostly native to Eurasia. Watch before moving closer. Its direction, posture and use of cover reveal whether it is feeding, resting or avoiding attention.

Dive sites375
Countries24
Animal groupOther
Safety profileGenerally Harmless

Meet the species

What to look for

How to Recognize It

Look for the body shape, movement and markings that make this animal stand out from its surroundings.

How It Behaves

Watch before moving closer. Its direction, posture and use of cover reveal whether it is feeding, resting or avoiding attention.

Special Ability

Its most striking adaptation is closely matched to the habitat and the way it finds food or avoids predators.

Dive responsibly

Share the water well

How to Approach

Approach slowly, stay neutrally buoyant and let the animal control the encounter.

Safety

Do not touch, feed or restrain wildlife. Give unfamiliar animals extra space and follow local guidance.

Worth knowing

The detail you remember

Interesting Facts

While carp are prized quarries and are valued (even commercially cultivated) as both food and ornamental fish in many parts of the Old World, they are considered trash fish and invasive pests in many parts of Africa, Australia and most of the United States.

Where to Find

Search the habitat edges where food, shelter and water movement create the right conditions.

Known countries

ItalyUnited KingdomSouth AfricaBrazilPolandRomaniaHungaryUnited StatesCanadaGermanyJapan