Cyprinus

Cyprinus is a genus of freshwater fishes in the family Cyprinidae, comprising several species of carps native to Eurasia. The best-known member is Cyprinus carpio, the common carp, a large, omnivorous species that has been domesticated and introduced worldwide for food and sport. The genus has a complex taxonomic history; some populations historically treated as separate species or subspecies have, in modern classifications, been reassigned or remain under debate. Cyprinus rubrofuscus, often called red carp, is sometimes considered a distinct species or a subspecies of C. carpio, and ornamental forms of this lineage are traded as koi.

Description: Cyprinus species are generally robust, with a cylindrical to elongated body, a pair of barbels on the upper jaw, and a dorsal fin that runs along much of the back. Most species have cycloid scales and coloration that ranges from olive to golden, depending on species and environment.

Habitat and ecology: They inhabit freshwater rivers, lakes, and ponds. They prefer vegetated, shallow areas for spawning. They are omnivorous, feeding on detritus, aquatic plants, invertebrates, and seeds. Reproduction often occurs in spring or early summer; eggs are laid among vegetation and exhibit little parental care.

Distribution and human uses: Native to Europe and Asia, Cyprinus species have been introduced worldwide. Cyprinus carpio is a major food fish and a cornerstone of aquaculture; koi, a coloration variety of C. rubrofuscus, is kept for ornament in many countries. Conservation status varies by species and region; habitat degradation and overfishing affect some populations, while C. carpio itself is widespread and often abundant.