The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is native to Europe and Asia but now has a global distribution.  It is unknown when it was first introduced to the United States, byt some think it was brought over in the mid to late 1800s.  It can now be found in every state in the continental U.S., Hawaii, the Gulf of Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.  It lives in the brackish and fresh waters of the Chesapeake Bay and in most freshwater rivers and impoundments statewide.

It is considered to be a very destructive fish.  Adults uproot and destroy SAV (submerged aquatic vegetation).  This can increase the turbidity of the water (decrease clarity) and also may be detrimental to native populations of duck and fish.

Despite widespread distribution, not much is known about individual movement of this species.  Our lab is currently studying common carp movement with the help of acoustic telemetry.  Acoustic telemetry involves the use of an acoustic transmitter, which is surgically implanted into the fish.  Sound waves (acoustics) from the tag are sent out at intervals, which can then be picked up by nearby acoustic receivers, letting us know that the carp was in the vicinity.  With enough receivers in an area, we can track their movement.  this data can help us to understand habitat use of common carp, including daily and seasonal movements.

So far, our lab has tagged 10 common carp in the Rhode River.

Preliminary data show that common carp tend to exhibit routine daily behavior in their movement patterns.

(what else....?)