Carp
Otolith description
Otoliths of cyprinidae are very hard to determine to species level. The otoliths are all round with a remarkable horseshoe shaped sulcus that is directed downwards. The margins are jagged and indented at the ostium.
Five species have otoliths that tend to be somewhat different from the others. Tench Tinca tinca tends to be more oval shaped instead of round, compared to the other cyprinidae. On gudgeon Gobio gobio otoliths the margins tend to be smoother, probably because this is only a small fish and the otoliths are not well developed. Bitterling Rhodeus sericeus is the smallest of the cyprinidae and otoliths are not well developed either. They are smoother at the margins and the sulcus is hardly visible. Roach Rutilus rutilus otoliths have a posterior end that tends to be straight instead of round. The otoliths of rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus are more jagged and pointed at the ventral margin.
Sizes of otoliths:
gudgeon, bitterling: <2,5 mm
silver bream, roach, rudd: <8 mm
tench, bream, ide: <10 mm
carp: otoliths > 10 mm are always carp otoliths
When eroded the otoliths of all cyprinidae are smoothed, but the sulcus remains visible.
Cyprinidae are a family of fish that have well-developed pharyngeal teeth and chewing pads. These are very useful for specific identification of the different fish species (Wheeler, 1978, Veldkamp, 1994, 1995); also because these fish remains are less vulnerable to erosion by the stomach acid. Carp also has a large toothed spine at its dorsal fin that is often found in samples.
Pharyngeal teeth description
Pharyngeal teeth of carp have three rows of teeth. The first row has three large teeth and the second and third row have one smaller tooth. The teeth are lobed on the tips.
Chewing pad description
The chewing pad of carp has a flat diamond shape and is usually wider than long. The surface of the inside is smooth.
Fish length and distribution
Carp can grow up to 120 cm. Carp is a common freshwater fish that is found in dense vegetated rivers, lakes and canals. Spawning takes place in late spring in shallow water (Wheeler, 1978, De Nie, 1996). Many, quite differently shaped races have been introduced for angling purposes.
Carp is found in fresh water bodies throughout Europe.
Sample origin
Northern part of the Netherlands.