Crucian Carp – Carassius carassius
Description: Crucian Carp (Carassius carassius) are becoming increasingly rare in the UK due to the ease they hybridise with Common carp and Goldfish. They are a pretty species that has a deep golden colour and a shape that is quite rotund. They will surface feed with most species although are not fiercely competitive with Carp and Koi. Crucian Carp are on the decline in the UK due to the ever increasing stocks of King carp which they will hybridise with and simply out compete them.
These fish are verified as True Crucian carp and not brown goldfish as often sold or mis-identified as.
Maximum Size: They can acheive reasonable sizes of upto 12″, although being quite slow growing would take some time to get to this size.
Environment: Crucian Carp benefit from a heavily planted pond, natural type pond. Their rather dosile nature can make them somewhat unsuitable to add with large carp and goldfish. Suitable pond mates are Rudd, Tench and Sticklebacks which they seem to do well with.
Water Conditions: Crucian Carp require a pH range of 7-8.5, Ammonia and Nitrite to be virtually 0ppm and dissolved oxygen saturation to remain above 6ppm. They are tolerable to lower oxygen saturation values than a lot of fish, although this is not recommended.
As with any pet, please fully research for yourself to ensure that you can accommodate a fish of this type in your home.