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Mirror Carp

Cyprinus carpio

The Mirror Carp is a special type of carp with shiny scales that look like mirrors. They are very beautiful to see!

Habitat: Ponds and lakes

Appearance

The Mirror Carp has a deep body covered in scattered, very large, highly reflective scales that give it a unique, patchy appearance. Its skin between these prominent scales is smooth and often grayish-brown to golden-green.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopteriOrderCypriniformesFamilyCyprinidaeGenusCyprinus
Mirror Carp
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Mirror Carp

Category

Fish

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Mirror Carp are a special type of Common Carp, bred by humans for their unique scale patterns!

Some Mirror Carp have lived for over 60 years, making them one of the oldest fish!

They don't have many scales, but the ones they do have can be as big as a coin!

They use their mouth to "suck up" food from the bottom like a tiny vacuum cleaner!

Special abilities

Ability

Bottom Feeder Sensor

Mirror Carp can find food in murky water because of four whiskers (barbels) around its mouth that help them sense tasty morsels.

Ability

Tough Survivor

Mirror Carp has an incredible tolerance to low oxygen and varied water quality because of specialized gills that helps them thrive in tough places.

Ability

Powerful Swimmer

Mirror Carp can escape danger with a strong, muscular body that helps them quickly propel through the water.

Measurements & details

Length
30-100 cm
Weight
2-25 kg
Lifespan
15-40 years
Swim Speed
10 km/h
Max Depth
15 m
Water Type
Freshwater

Diet & Feeding

Mirror Carp munch on almost anything they find, from plants to tiny critters!

Primary Foods

  • aquatic insects
  • crustaceans
  • worms
  • plant matter
  • algae
  • detritus

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Freshwater Shrimp

Gammarus pulex

Mirror Carp often feed on these small crustaceans.

eats

Bloodworm (midge larva)

Chironomus plumosus

These larvae are a common food for carp in muddy bottoms.

eaten by

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

Ospreys hunt and eat Mirror Carp found near the surface.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5

Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Mirror Carp?

30-100 cm

How much does Mirror Carp weigh?

2-25 kg

How long does Mirror Carp live?

15-40 years

What does Mirror Carp eat?

Mirror Carp munch on almost anything they find, from plants to tiny critters!

How fast can Mirror Carp swim?

10 km/h

Where is Mirror Carp usually found?

Ponds and lakes

How does Mirror Carp hunt?

Foraging

How deep can Mirror Carp go?

15 m

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