Carp of silver: photo. Carp of silver and gold

Among the great variety of freshwater inhabitants of rivers and reservoirs of our country, crucian carp is a special place. This fish belongs to the family of carp and is one of the most desired trophies for lovers of fishing.

Where can I find silver crucian?

The genus of luciform representatives of the river fauna of the carp family is divided into two types: crucian silver and gold (or ordinary). The distribution of goldfish is very wide. Starting from European countries, the common carp habitat reaches the basin of the Russian river Lena. Silver crucian originally had a haven in the basin of the Pacific Ocean, in Siberian rivers and the lower reaches of the Aral Sea. But because of its unpretentiousness to natural river conditions, its habitat has expanded considerably. To date, silver crucian (photo you see in our article) is found in almost all fresh water bodies and rivers of the European part of the Russian Federation, the North Caucasus, the Urals, and Siberia. Therefore, there is an opinion that soon the place of the goldfish, so sometimes called the crucian of the ordinary, will take the crucian silver.

Gold and silver crucian: main differences

Already, many fishing enthusiasts and experts are witnessing the encountered hybrid species of this fish. Intraspecific crossing takes place.

At first glance, both species have an external similarity. However, an experienced fisherman, having a good look, will point out a number of differences:

• The gold crucian always has scales of yellow or golden hue; The color scheme depends on the habitat and can have a copper-red or bronze color ;

• Crucian silver strictly corresponds to its specific species; Sometimes the color of the scales can have a grayish or greenish-gray hue - it all depends on the place of distribution and underwater river algae;
• Scales of crucian carp are somewhat smaller in size, but larger in number of scales; Silver crucian has in the lateral line less than 30 scales, while its golden brother boasts an abundant scaly covering of its lateral line;
• Ordinary crucian has a head of a more rounded shape, in contrast to the pointed head of a silver;
• A young golden crucian in front of the caudal fin has a dark spot that disappears with age; Silver brother this feature can not boast.

Crucian silver: description of species

This representative of the carp family has a length of not more than 45 cm, and the maximum known weight of the caught fish is 4.25 kg. This catch was recorded on the Turukhan River in Siberia. This is considered the official record of Russia. However, the average fish (crucian carp) barely reaches one and a half kilograms. The life expectancy of crucian carcass of this species is about 8-10 years.

When the crucian silver becomes a mature specimen? Under favorable conditions, this occurs at the age of 2-3 years and when the length of the body is reached not less than 20 cm. Fluctuating asymmetry of the silver crucian remains stable and differs from gold by a large number of gill rakers, the color of the lateral line and abdomen, which confirms the adaptation of the species to various environmental conditions a habitat. This is an excellent indicator of the stability of the development of the individual.

Reproduction of offspring

The spawning of this valuable commercial fish is absolutely identical in comparison with the ordinary carcass. The only difference is the time elongation. Spawning can last from late May to early August. A comfortable condition for the reproduction of offspring is considered to be a water temperature of at least 15º C. Fecundity of females can reach up to 400 thousand eggs. After the first spawning, spawning occurs two weeks later. Caviar of silver crucian carp has an adhesive consistency, due to which the eggs are attached to underwater vegetation at a depth of no more than half a meter.

Method of reproduction

The species population reproduces by the method of gynogenesis. The bottom line is that the male sperm does not merge with the egg of the female. In the development of the embryo, only the egg of the female carp of silver participates. The future offspring of the river fish consists only of females. Therefore, among the silverfish floating in the rivers, males are very rare. When inseminating eggs with the sperm of close fishes, the future offspring genetically inherits only the mother code of the silver crucian carp.

The species population refers to the category of white river fish, so the carp meat is dense, tasty and nutritious. Not without reason, crucian silver has great popularity in artificial breeding along with carp. In terms of culinary preferences, crucian carp is not exacting at all. Zooplankton, phytoplankton, detritus, remains of animals and plant organisms - this is the main diet of the river inhabitant.

Habitat

Standing water is the favorite habitat of silver crucian carp. Closed ponds, small lakes and ponds, swamped forest lakes, quiet river backwaters and peatlands - this is the exact address of our hero. It is believed that the mud is the main and favorite element of the crucian carp.

It should be noted that the crucian is a very tenacious fish. Confirmation of this is its ability to adapt to drying reservoirs. Bursting into the mud and hibernating, the crucian silver can be without water for a long time. Only the reservoir is filled with water, the crucian again gives signs of life.

In winter, the same thing happens. The fish freezes into ice and easily tolerates cold and frost. It's only necessary to get warm, as she comes to life again.

However, one can not exclude running water, which, in contrast to the goldfish, is preferred by his silver brother.

Harvesting technique

The most popular object of fishing was and remains the gold and silver crucian carp. Fishing with a float fishing rod is a classic way of fishing. As a nozzle use a worm, bloodworms, bread crumb or dough, pearl barley, etc. To improve the aromatic properties, various oils perfectly suit: hemp, linseed, anise, sunflower. For each water body is selected individual bait.

Especially popular with the silver crucian is the red worm. Pits and underwater transitions with abundant aquatic vegetation are considered to be the most pleasant places. Carp is perfectly caught both from the river bottom, and from the half-water. After spawning, fishing is especially productive. The crucifix is very unstable. The bite is also very uncertain and quiet. Premature or delayed sweep results do not bring. Beginners should be aware that the crucian is very sluggish, so the prepared nozzle often remains untouched.

There is a special technique for catching crucian carp, both gold and silver. As soon as the float begins to tremble, and then slowly move to the side, it is necessary to hack. Usually, with a weak glue, the float lies on the surface of the water surface. This means that the moment of sweeping has not yet come: the crucian "studies" and tastes the prepared nozzle. Only after a confident movement of the float should you do sweeping. There are no great difficulties in getting the crucian out of the water. The most important thing is calm and smooth movements of the fisherman.

It is believed that the best time for biting is the morning and evening hours with quiet and steady weather. In addition to the classical way, there are other types of fishing.

Catching of crucian carp

This method of fishing is used in the spring. In April, when water is freed from ice, the reservoirs become very transparent. Because of the transparency and lack of thickets, the crucian is afraid to take the bait on the float fishing rod. The whole fish keeps away from the shore. The best way to catch is "gum".

The design of the tackle is very simple. The load is attached to a small piece of rope, and then there is an airplane elastic band, connected with a fishing line. On the fishing lines are imposed leashes with hooks. The cargo is put on a boat or thrown from the shore to the optimal distance, which allows you to stretch the rubber. As an attachment, an earthworm, bloodworm or dough is used.

Bottom fishing, or feeder

The method of fishing is fairly simple. To a greater depth, a feeder with a bait is thrown with spinning. It is very important that the casting site be permanent. Then the fish gathers for the "table", and then the bite begins. Thanks to this method, it is possible to catch decent specimens of silver crucian carp. As a bait use joker, maggots, worms and various feed additives.

Anthropogenic factors

The influence of anthropogenic factors on silver crucian carp is not of the last importance. Although the adaptation of crucian carp to the conditions of the habitat is quite painless, one should also take into account the human influence on the environment. More and more rivers and reservoirs due to human activities are becoming unusable. Pollution of natural resources makes the fish migrate to cleaner places. Unfortunately, if this process continues, then we can not see this river beauty after a while. But after all, I want to sit on the shore with a fishing rod in good weather and catch my cherished crucian carp.

Carp of silver: river champions

Each fisherman leads his own statistics of the captured trophy. However, official results on the weight of fish caught are also fixed. Top-10 record silver carp, caught in various regions of Russia and Western Europe:

10. The officially recorded record of the International Association of Sports Fisheries (IGFA) is a crucian carp weighing 1.36 kg.

9. National record of Germany - 1.41 kg.

8. National record of Ukraine - 1.80 kg.

7. National record of Latvia - 2.10 kg.

6. Poland's official record is 2.20 kg.

5. Record of the Republic of Belarus - 2.75 kg.

4. In 1996, a silver carp weighing 2.9 kg was caught in the Dnieper River near Kiev.

3. In the tributary of the Zeya River in Transbaikalia, local fishermen caught a silver trophy weighing 3 kg.

2. Silver crucian weighing 3.20 kg was caught in the Ili River (Kazakhstan).

1. The official world record and the first place belongs to the Russian Federation. Silver crucian weighing 4 kg 250 grams was raised on the Turukhan River, the left tributary of the Yenisei River, which is in the Krasnoyarsk Territory (Russia).

These are the crucian carpets, if your mother is Rus!