Biology Carp were originally native to Asia. Several hundred years ago they were brought to Europe as a food fish, and in the late 1800's they were introduced to North American where they have become nearly ubiquitous. Adults spawn in very shallow water in the spring. Eggs are indiscriminately released and hatch in about a week. Fry are planktivorous.
Adults are primarily benthic and omnivorous feeding on both plant and animal material.
Distribution Common carp are native to temperate portions of Europe and Asia. They were first introduced into North America in 1877. At that time they were considered so valuable that the precious brood stock was fenced and guarded. Since that time countless introductions both intentional and unintentional have allowed Cyprinus carpio to become one of the most widely distributed fish species in North America, ranging from central Canada to central Mexico, and from coast to coast. In Texas, common carp are ubiquitous. .