Egg production depends on the size of the female with anywhere from 50,000 to 2 million eggs spawned by a single female. Feeding habits - Most often carp suck up quantities of silt, spit it out, and select out insect larvae, crustaceans, snails, and other food items. Young carp will also consume zooplankton. Adult carp are omnivorous, consuming both plant and animal foods. Plant foods include both rooted plants and algae.
Organic debris can also be an important component of the diet.
Age and Growth - Few wild carp live longer than 12 years but individuals in captivity have lived as long as 47 years. Carp generally grow rapidly for the first few years until they reach sexual maturity and slows as energy is diverted into reproduction. Growth rates of carp vary considerably across North America which may reflect geographical, biological and environmental conditions at different locations. Sporting Qualities - Pound for pound, carp will put up a fight equal to most sportfish. In Europe, carp rank third among sportfishes behind Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout.