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. While carp are prized quarries and are valued (even commercially cultivated) as both food and ornamental fish in many parts of the Old World, [1] they are considered trash fish and invasive pests in many parts of Africa, Australia and most of the United States. [2][3] The cypriniformes (family Cyprinidae) are traditionally grouped with the Characiformes, Siluriformes, and Gymnotiformes to create the superorder Ostariophysi, since these groups share some common features. These features include being found predominantly in fresh water and possessing Weberian ossicles, an anatomical structure derived from the first five anterior-most vertebrae, and their corresponding ribs and neural crests. The third anterior-most pair of ribs is in contact with the extension of the labyrinth and the posterior with the swim bladder. The function is poorly understood, but this structure is presumed to take part in the transmission of vibrations from the swim bladder to the labyrinth and in the perception of sound, which would explain why the Ostariophysi have such a great capacity for hearing. [4] Most cypriniformes have scales and teeth on the inferior pharyngeal bones which may be modified in relation to the diet. Tribolodon is the only cyprinid genus which tolerates salt water. Several species move into brackish water but return to fresh water to spawn. Carp, along with many of their cyprinid relatives, are popular ornamental aquarium and pond fish. Ornamental goldfish were originally domesticated from their wild form, a dark greyish-brown carp native to Asia, but may have been influenced by Carassius carassius and Carassius gibelio. They were first bred for color in China over a thousand years ago. Due to selective breeding, goldfish have been developed into many distinct breeds, and are found in various colors, color patterns, forms and sizes far different from those of the original carp. Goldfish were kept as ornamental fish in China for thousands of years before being introduced to Japan in 1603, and to Europe in 1611. [58] Nishikigoi, better known simply as koi, are a domesticated varieties of common carp and Amur carp (Cyprinus rubrofuscus) that have been selectively bred for color. The common carp was introduced from China to Japan, where selective breeding in the 1820s in the Niigata region resulted in koi. [59] In Japanese culture, koi are treated with affection, and seen as good luck. [60] They are popular in other parts of the world as outdoor pond fish. [61] Bighead carp is enjoyed in many parts of the world, but it has not become a popular foodfish in North America. Acceptance there has been hindered in part by the name "carp", and its association with the common carp which is not a generally favored foodfish in North America.

The Common Carp, also known as European Carp, is native to Europe and Asia. It originated from the Danube river and since then has been domesticated and spread worldwide. Common Carp in its native state is considered a vulnerable species, but as domesticated, it has proven to be highly invasive, often out-competing many native fish species. Wild Common Carp are slimmer than the domesticated ones. The body length of wild Common Carp is usually quadruple of the body height and oscillates between 15 – 32 inches. The weight ranges between 4,5 – 31 lbs. The domesticated type can grow twice as fast as the wild one and usually achieves a length of around 47 inches and weighs over 88 lbs. If given enough space and nutrition, domesticated Common Carp can live well over 30 years of age. Common Carp can sometimes be mistaken for Bigmouth or Smallmouth Buffalo, although they are not related. The body of Common Carp is a yellowish-golden color, covered with a mesh-like scale pattern. They have a forked tail, a single dorsal fin, and two pairs of barbels. An interesting fact about Common Carp is its ability to interbreed with Goldfish (yes, the one you can keep in the glass bowl). Common Carp is known to crossbreed with Goldfish, and the product of this mating is Kollar Carp. The Common Carp is very tolerant. The perfect water temperature is between 73 – 86F, but Common Carp is known to live in colder climates where the temperature goes below freezing. Common Carp can survive winter under the ice as long as it has enough water. They are known to prefer slow-flowing or standing water with vegetative sediments. Common Carp usually travel in schools that count five or more fish. Common Carp can also survive in brackish water with a salinity of up to 17.6ppt and waters with very low oxygen levels, where they gulp air from the surface. Common Carp are omnivorus fish. They can survive on an aquatic plant diet but prefer to scout the bottom sediment for worms, crustaceans, insects, and crawfish. There are multiple rigs and Carp baits available, but the most known by anglers method for Common Carp is fishing with a bobber or feeder. Commonly used rigs would include method and basket feeders and hair rig with boilies. The Mirror Carp is a variety of Common Carp, believed to have been developed by monks by selective breeding of Common Carp to reduce the number of scales and make it easier to prepare fish for consumption. Mirror Carp has a compressed, elongated body, with the broadest part being near the dorsal fin. The color varies from green, yellow, golden-brown to silvery. The most recognizable characteristics of Mirror Carp are its scales. They are not, like with Common Carp, uniform in shape and organized across its body. The scales are in varied sizes, unorganized, and resemble mirrors, hence the name of the Mirror Carp. Mirror Carp can reach 3 ft 8 inches in length and weigh up to 100 lbs, with few record species weighing 1 – 2 lbs more. They are known to grow relatively fast and are not considered great farming fish because of the amount of food needed to keep them alive. Given good conditions in their habitat, Mirror Carp can live up to 60 years of age. The Mirror Carp can be found in freshwater abundant with aquatic vegetation. Mainly in the backwater of rivers and streams and water reservoirs. Mirror Carp, like Common Carp, are very tolerant to a diversity of conditions. This tolerance allows them to quickly adapt to and populate many areas people introduced them to. Mirror Carp can survive in waters with a low level of oxygen, and they can survive cold winters under the ice as long as the water is not entirely frozen.

common carp The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is one of the most widely distributed fishes in freshwater rivers and lakes. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. carp, widely, any of several fish species classified in the genus Cyprinus in the family Cyprinidae but usually, and narrowly, the common, or European, carp (Cyprinus carpio) and its close relatives within the genus Cyprinus. The carp is a hardy greenish brown fish. It is native to Eurasia but has been introduced into North America and elsewhere. A large-scaled fish with two barbels on each side of its upper jaw, the carp lives alone or in small schools in quiet weedy mud-bottomed ponds, lakes, and rivers. It is omnivorous, and in rooting about for food it often roils the water, increasing turbidity and adversely affecting many plants and animals. As a result, it is often considered undesirable, and much effort may be devoted to its extermination. In winter the common carp becomes torpid, retires to the bottom, and stops feeding. It usually spawns in spring, when the female deposits numerous eggs on plants or detritus, usually in shallow water. The eggs hatch four to eight days later. Carp grow rapidly, attain sexual maturity about their third year, and in captivity may live more than 40 years. They average about 35 cm (14 inches) in length but may grow to more than 100 cm (39 inches) and 22 kg (49 pounds). Carp are often raised for food, especially in Europe and Asia, because it is possible to produce large amounts of fish per acre. Two domesticated varieties are the mirror carp (with a few large scales) and the leather carp (almost scaleless). The crucian carp (Carassius carassius) is a barbel-less European relative of the goldfish.

The common carp (Cyprinus carpio), also known as European carp, Eurasian carp, or just referred as carp, is a widespread freshwater fish of eutrophic waters in lakes and large rivers in Europe and Asia. [2][3] The native wild populations are considered vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), [1] but the species has also been domesticated and introduced (see aquaculture) into environments worldwide, and is often considered a destructive invasive species, [2] being included in the list of the world's 100 worst invasive species. It gives its name to the carp family, Cyprinidae. The type subspecies is Cyprinus carpio carpio, native to much of Europe (notably the Danube and Volga Rivers). [2][4] The subspecies Cyprinus carpio haematopterus (Amur carp), native to eastern Asia, was recognized in the past, [4] but recent authorities treat it as a separate species under the name Cyprinus rubrofuscus. [1][5] The common carp and various Asian relatives in their pure forms can be separated by meristics and also differ in genetics, but they are able to interbreed. [1][6] Common carp can also interbreed with the goldfish (Carassius auratus); the result is called Kollar carp. [7][8] Another artificial hybrid is ghost carp, which is bred between common carp and Japanese Purachina koi. The large variations of colours produced make ghost carp a popular commercial species. [9] The common carp is native to Europe and Asia, and has been introduced to every part of the world except the poles. They are the third-most frequently introduced fish species worldwide, [10] and their history as a farmed fish dates back to Roman times. [11] Carp are used as food in many areas, but are also regarded as a pest in several regions due to their ability to out-compete native fish stocks. [12] The original common carp was found in the inland delta of the Danube River about 2000 years ago and was torpedo-shaped and golden-yellow in colour. It had two pairs of barbels and a mesh-like scale pattern. Koi carp (錦鯉 (nishikigoi) in Japanese, 鯉魚 (pinyin: lĭ yú) in Chinese) is a domesticated ornamental variety that originated in the Niigata region of Japan in the 1820s, [15] but its parent species are likely the East Asian carp, possibly C. rubrofuscus. [1][5] The carp has a robust build, with a dark gold sheen that is most prominent on its head. Its body is adorned with large, conspicuous scales that are very shiny. It has large pectoral fins and a tapering dorsal fin running down the last two-thirds of its body, getting progressively higher as it nears the carp's head. Its caudal and anal fins may either be a dark bronze or washed with a rubbery orange hue. Two or three spines are on the anal fin, [2] the first being serrated, [16] and the dorsal fin has three or four anterior spines, [2] the first of which is also serrated. [17] The mouth of the carp is downward-turned, with two pairs of barbels, one pair at the corners of the upper lip, and the other on the lower. [18] Wild common carp are typically slimmer than domesticated forms, with body length about four times body height, red flesh, and a forward-protruding mouth. Common carp can grow to very large sizes if given adequate space and nutrients. Their average growth rate by weight is about half the growth rate of domesticated carp. [19][20] They do not reach the lengths and weights of domesticated carp, which (range, 3.2–4.8 times) [2] can grow to a maximum length of 120 centimetres (47 in), a maximum weight of over 40 kilograms (88 lb). [2] Carp were introduced to Australia over 150 years ago but were not seen as a recognised pest species until the "Boolarra" strain appeared in the 1960s. [45][46] After spreading massively through the Murray–Darling basin, aided by massive flooding in 1974, [45] they have established themselves in every Australian territory except for the Northern Territory. [47] In Victoria, the common carp has been declared a noxious fish species, and the quantity a fisherman can take is unlimited. [48] In South Australia, it is an offence for this species to be released back to the wild. [49] An Australian company produces plant fertilizer from carp. [50][51] Efforts to eradicate a small colony from Lake Crescent in Tasmania, without using chemicals, have been successful, but the long-term, expensive and intensive undertaking is an example of both the possibility and difficulty of safely removing the species once it is established. [52] One proposal, regarded as environmentally questionable, is to control common carp numbers by deliberately exposing them to the carp-specific koi herpes virus with its high mortality rate. [47] In 2016, the Australian Government announced plans to release this virus into the Murray–Darling basin in an attempt to reduce the number of invasive common carp in the water system. [53][54] However, in 2020, this plan was found to be unlikely to work. [55] The CSIRO has also developed a technique for genetically modifying carp so that they only produce male offspring.

A Carp is any number of fish in the Cyprinidae family. Researchers recognize many different species in the family, all of which originate in Europe or Asia. Of the many different species, one of the most well-known is the common species. For this reason, in this article we will focus primarily on this species. Read on to learn about the Carp. Koi, or domesticated common carp, are kept in outdoor koi ponds or water gardens. What a catch! This is a Common Carp. Koi, or domesticated common carp, are kept in outdoor koi ponds or water gardens. What a catch! This is a Common Carp. This fish looks like a large dull-colored goldfish, though size and coloration vary by individual. It has a rather broad body with large scales. Adults range between 1 and 2 ft. long, but the domesticated version reaches much larger sizes. Wild adults reach weights of 30 or 40 lbs. regularly. This seemingly innocuous fish is actually one of the most damaging invasive species in the world. Learn more about this fish and what makes it unique, below. Introduced – People took this fish species from its natural range and introduced it virtually worldwide. People kept and bred these fish for food, and introduced them to virtually every corner of the earth to use them as food there. Invasive – Unfortunately, the populations boomed in their new environments without any true predators to keep them in check. They out compete the native wildlife, including fish and waterfowl, for food. Daughterless Carp Project – One method of controlling this invasive fish is the Daughterless Carp Project. Researchers genetically modify the Carp so that they only produce male offspring, and thus cannot continue to reproduce. Vulnerable Populations – Ironically, despite their booming invasive populations, in their native range the IUCN lists the species as Vulnerable. The Carp is a group of fish that resemble goldfish. They are an invasive species.

Native to Europe and Asia, the common carp (Cyprinus Carpio) has been introduced globally for both food and sport. Common carps are some of the most widely distributed freshwater fish species, known for its adaptability and hardiness. From their early stages as tiny eggs to their growth into adult carp, these fascinating creatures have captivated fishermen for centuries. Their feeding habits, behaviour patterns, and interactions with other fish species like northern pike add to the allure of targeting them. But it’s not all about the thrill of the chase; understanding common carp also sheds light on important topics such as invasive species management and biodiversity conservation. So grab your gear and join us as we dive deeper into the world of common carp. Can I Eat Common carp? How Long Do Common Carp Live? Are Common Carp Invasive? Can I Keep Common Carp As Pets? Do I Need a Special Fishing Technique for Catching Common Carp? The common carp Cyprinus Carpio is a species of carp fish known for its large, scale-covered body and long dorsal fin. The common carp species exhibits a range of colors, including gold, silver, or bronze, adding to the fishes visual appeal. Common carp are freshwater fish and can be found in lakes, ponds, rivers, and reservoirs. One of the key features of the common carp is its dorsal fin which runs along its back. This fin helps with stability and manoeuvrability in the water. The body of the carp is covered in scales that protect the fish from predators and provide some camouflage among vegetation. The common carp has established populations in various areas due to its adaptability to different environments, thriving in both warm and cold water conditions. Making the Cyprinus Carpio well-suited to diverse habitats. The carps natural history includes a preference for areas with abundant vegetation as it feeds on plants and crustaceans. With regards to reproduction, common carp are capable of producing large numbers of offspring. They reach sexual maturity at around three to four years of age and like most types of carp species, they can spawn multiple times during their lifetime. This high reproductive capacity contributes to their widespread presence across many regions. The common carp Cyprinus Carpio is a benthivorous fish species that can be found in freshwater habitats. Common carp fish prefer slow-moving or stagnant waters such as shallow lakes, ponds, and rivers. Here are some key aspects of their habitat and behaviour: Water Preference: Common carp thrive in environments with submerged vegetation, which provides the fish with shelter and an abundance of food sources. However, common carp are known to degrade water quality due to their feeding habits. Omnivorous Diet: Carp are bottom-dwelling omnivores, meaning these fish consume plants and animals. Including, aquatic plants, insects, small organisms, and detritus. Adaptations for Low Oxygen Levels: One characteristic of the common carp fish is their ability to tolerate low oxygen levels. Common carps posses specialized gills that allow the fish to extract oxygen efficiently from water with reduced oxygen content. Spawning Behaviour: During the carp spawning season, common carp form large schools near shallow areas of lakes or rivers. This behaviour helps protect their fish eggs from potential predators such as largemouth bass and birds. Understanding the habitat preferences and behaviour of common carp Cyprinus Carpio fish species is crucial for managing these fish in freshwater ecosystems. By studying their interactions with native fishes and waterfowl habitat, researchers can gain insights into how this non-native species impacts local biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics.

The carp is an oily ray-finned freshwater fish that has played a role in human culture for thousands of years. As one of the most popular types of pond or aquarium fish in the world, many species of carp have undergone selective breeding for shape, color, and resistance to disease. This practice probably originated somewhere in China and then spread out to the rest of the world. Today carp fish are common in artificial ponds, aquaculture, and recreational and commercial fishing. 4 Incredible Carp Facts! To survive the winter season, the carp fish enters a period of lethargy in which it moves to the bottom of the water and then stops eating. This dramatically slows its metabolism until the temperature improves. The carp is considered to be one of the worst invading species of freshwater fish outside of its native habitat. Some species can survive a very long time on low oxygen content. Despite the reputation, the goldfish and other carp do not have a poor memory. One study suggested that goldfish can perhaps recognize human faces. There is a lot of confusion surrounding the name “carp,” because it’s an informal term and not a scientific one. The closest thing to a scientific classification is the family of Cyprinidae (which derives from the Ancient Greek name for the carp, kuprinos; this may have some connection to Aphrodite, the goddess of procreation and love). Think of it this way. Carp are omnivorous fish that digs around in the dirt at the bottom of the water for aquatic plants, insects, crustaceans, and more. These fish are important intermediate fish in the freshwater ecosystem by transferring nutrients from the lower to upper parts of the food chain. What do carp eat? This is an omnivorous fish that digs around in the dirt at the bottom of the water for aquatic plants, insects, crustaceans, worms, and zooplankton. What eats carp? Adults are usually preyed on by bigger fish such as pikes and bass, plus herons, cormorants, ospreys, otters, and mink. The vast majority don’t survive until adulthood. Some egg caches are a veritable feast for a cornucopia of different predators. Carp have a long life expectancy of more than 40 years in captivity. After awakening from its torpor, the fish will spawn in the spring or summer months. The exact timing depends on the water temperature and availability of food. Most species are broadcast spawners that release their eggs and sperm into the water to fertilize them. After attracting the interest of one or more mates, the female will lay her eggs on plants in shallow water. A typical 8 or 9-pound fish can produce up to a million eggs at a time. Around 80% of them will end up hatching, but the vast majority of these are expected to be lost through predation and attrition. Carp have a long life expectancy of more than 40 years in captivity, but they don’t reach sexual maturity until the third year of their lives. Asian carp can jump 10 feet high. The carp remains a fairly popular fish for both commercial and recreational purposes, but it can be a little finicky to hook even with standard bait and sometimes require special fishing methods to catch. The crucian carp, for instance, tends to nudge the bait slowly instead of gulping the bait down at once. It’s a much easier practice to rear carp in artificial aquacultures for food. The silver carp and grass carp are specifically raised in this manner. The carp features prominently in some Asian and European cuisine. Breaded or fried common carp is a traditional Christmas Eve dinner in Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, while the Chinese mud carp is sometimes eaten in Guangdong Province. In Western Europe, however, more desirable fish like salmon and trout have displaced it. This oily fish has acquired a bad reputation for tasting like mud, but it might be possible to eliminate the muddy taste by keeping the body temperature cool after catching it. As already mentioned, carp are freshwater fish that first evolved in the lakes, rivers, and ponds of Europe and Asia. The ancestor of the common carp most likely originated in the Black, Caspian, and Aral seas and swam east into Siberia and China. We know that the Romans are the first to culture carp, which continued into the Middle Ages.

John Brooks is not just an outdoor enthusiast; he's a storyteller for the voiceless wonders of the natural world. Growing up with an innate love for the outdoors, John's early adventures began in his own backyard, laying the foundation for his lifelong passion. Over the years, he's traversed some of the world's most awe-inspiring landscapes, from dense tropical jungles to expansive African savannas. Yet, it's his affinity for wild animals that truly sets him apart. This love translated into a prolific writing career, with John penning articles and essays that bridge readers to the heartbeats of the wild. Meet Sophie, our intrepid wildlife enthusiast whose love for all wild animals knows no bounds. With her background in zoology and her passion for writing, she is the ideal author to explain wildlife topics to you. When she's not writing, you'll find Sophie camping under the stars or diving into the depths of the ocean. We adhere to editorial integrity are independent and thus not for sale. The article may contain references to products of our partners. Here's an explanation of how we make money. Wild Explained was founded in 2021 and has a long track record of helping people make smart decisions. We have built this reputation for many years by helping our readers with everyday questions and decisions. We have helped thousands of readers find answers. The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a widely recognized and popular fish species. Known for its adaptability and resilience, the species has a long history intertwined with human civilization. In this article, we will delve into various aspects of the common carp, including its biological characteristics, habitat, history, role in aquaculture, impact on ecosystems, and its appeal in recreational fishing. The common carp is a freshwater fish species that belongs to the family Cyprinidae. It is characterized by its stout and elongated body, with a slightly arched back. Typically, mature common carp can reach lengths of up to 1 meter and weigh between 15 to 30 kilograms. The species displays a variety of colors, including shades of gold, brown, and olive. Common carp have a robust pharyngeal apparatus, allowing them to easily feed on a wide range of food sources. They are omnivorous, with their diet consisting of insect larvae, mollusks, crustaceans, plants, and detritus. Due to their feeding habits and ability to thrive in different conditions, common carp are found in ponds, lakes, rivers, and reservoirs worldwide. The biological characteristics of the common carp contribute to its success as a species. They have a high reproductive rate, with females capable of producing thousands of eggs during the spawning season. Carp farming quickly spread throughout Asia, thanks to the popularity of these fish as a food source. Historical records indicate that common carp were introduced to Europe during the Roman Empire. They were valued for their resilience and ability to adapt to diverse environments, making them ideal for aquaculture and food production. As European colonization occurred, common carp were further spread across the globe, often intentionally introduced for food security purposes. Today, common carp can be found on all continents except Antarctica. They have been introduced to numerous countries for both recreational and commercial purposes. This widespread distribution has cemented their status as one of the most globally recognized freshwater fish species. Common carp play a significant role in aquaculture due to their adaptability and fast growth rates. They are commercially farmed in many countries, primarily for their meat. As an important source of protein, common carp contribute to global food security, particularly in regions with limited access to marine resources. Commercial fishing of common carp involves both wild capture and aquaculture. In many countries, carp fishing contributes to local economies and supports livelihoods. Fisheries management practices strive to ensure the sustainability of wild stocks, promoting responsible fishing to avoid overexploitation. In aquaculture, breeding and rearing practices have been developed to optimize common carp production. Selective breeding programs aim to enhance desirable traits, such as growth rates and disease resistance.

Etymology: Cyprinus: Latin, cyprinus = carp (Ref. 45335); carpio: carpio is the latinized form of carp (Ref. 1998). Cyprinus is the old world name for the carp (Ref. 10294). More on author: Linnaeus. Freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic; pH range: 6.5 - 9.0; dH range: 10 - 15; potamodromous (Ref. 51243); depth range 0 - 29 m (Ref. 120823). Subtropical; 3°C - 35°C (Ref. 12741); 54°N - 34°N, 12°E - 74°E (Ref. 59043) Europe to Asia: Black, Caspian and Aral Sea basins. Introduced throughout the world. Wild stocks are only present naturally in rivers draining to the Black, Caspian and Aral Sea (Ref. 59043). A reophilic wild population in the Danube is assumed to be the origin of the European species; this population is now under threat (Ref. 13696). Dorsal spines (total): 3 - 4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17 - 23; Anal spines: 2 - 3; Anal soft rays: 5 - 6; Vertebrae: 36 - 37. Diagnosed from other cyprinid species in Europe by having the following characters: 2 pairs of barbels; dorsal fin with 15-20½ branched rays; caudal fin deeply emarginate (Ref. 59043). Pharyngeal teeth 1, 1, 3:3, 1,1, robust, molar-like with crown flattened or somewhat furrowed. Scales large and thick. `Wild carp ' is generally distinguished by its less stocky build with height of body 1:3.2-4.8 in standard length. Very variable in form, proportions, squamation, development of fins, and color. Caudal fin with 3 spines and 17-19 rays (Ref. 2196). Last simple anal ray bony and serrated posteriorly; 4 barbels; 17-20 branched dorsal rays; body grey to bronze (Ref. 43281). Also Ref. 3398, 3410.

Cyprinidae is a family of freshwater fish commonly called the carp or minnow family, including the carps, the true minnows, and their relatives the barbs and barbels, among others. Cyprinidae is the largest and most diverse fish family, and the largest vertebrate animal family overall, with about 1,780 species divided into 166 valid genera. [2] Cyprinids range from about 12 mm (0.5 in) in size to the 3 m (9.8 ft) giant barb (Catlocarpio siamensis). [3] By genus and species count, the family makes up more than two-thirds of the ostariophysian order Cypriniformes. [4][5][6] The family name is derived from the Greek word kyprînos (κυπρῖνος 'carp'). Cyprinids are stomachless, or agastric, fish with toothless jaws. Even so, food can be effectively chewed by the gill rakers of the specialized last gill bow. These pharyngeal teeth allow the fish to make chewing motions against a chewing plate formed by a bony process of the skull. The pharyngeal teeth are unique to each species and are used to identify species. Strong pharyngeal teeth allow fish such as the common carp and ide to eat hard baits such as snails and bivalves. Hearing is a well-developed sense in the cyprinids since they have the Weberian organ, three specialized vertebral processes that transfer motion of the gas bladder to the inner ear. The vertebral processes of the Weberian organ also permit a cyprinid to detect changes in motion of the gas bladder due to atmospheric conditions or depth changes. The cyprinids are considered physostomes because the pneumatic duct is retained in adult stages and the fish are able to gulp air to fill the gas bladder, or they can dispose of excess gas to the gut. In 2016 the federal government announced A$15.2 million to fund the National Carp Control Plan to investigate using Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (carp virus) as a biological control agent while minimising impacts on industry and environment should a carp virus release go ahead. Despite initial, favourable assessment, [17][18][19] in 2020 this plan was found to be unlikely to work due to the high fecundity of the fish. [20] Numerous cyprinids have become popular and important within the aquarium and fishpond hobbies, most famously the goldfish, which was bred in China from the Prussian carp (Carassius (auratus) gibelio). First imported into Europe around 1728, it was originally much-fancied by the Chinese nobility as early as 1150 AD and, after it arrived there in 1502, also in Japan. In addition to the goldfish, the common carp was bred in Japan into the colorful ornamental variety known as koi — or more accurately nishikigoi (錦鯉), as koi (鯉) simply means "common carp" in Japanese — from the 18th century until today. Other popular aquarium cyprinids include danionins, rasborines and true barbs. [21] Larger species are bred by the thousands in outdoor ponds, particularly in Southeast Asia, and trade in these aquarium fishes is of considerable commercial importance. The small rasborines and danionines are perhaps only rivalled by characids (tetras) and poecilid livebearers in their popularity for community aquaria. [citation needed]