Description
Mirror Carp, or Cyprinus carpio, is a subspecies of the common carp that is commonly found in the UK and Europe. Common and mirror carp are native to much of Europe and can also be found in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Carp are very popular fish for sport fishermen, and are widely distributed around fisheries and reserves nationwide.
The name "Mirror Carp" originates from their scales similarity to mirrors. Common carp do not have this, and are more traditionally scaled. They can grow in excess of 25kg - the last few British record fish have all been mirror carp. This listing is for a random mixture of small common and mirror carp, ideal for ponds, lakes and fisheries. Photo is for illustration only, mixed genders and patterns supplied.
Carp can be grown-on in smaller ponds or large indoor aquariums until they reach maturity, and transferred to a large pond. Mirror carp can tolerate a wide range of water conditions and temperature ranges.
The difference between mirror and its wild ancestor, the common carp, is mainly the presence of the large mirror-like scales.
How big do Mirror Carp grow?
Mirror Carp can grow up to 3ft or 90cms, and can weigh as much as 25kgs! Captive mirror carp will easily achieve at least half this size in a domestic garden pond setting.
Approx. supplied size: 2-3" / 5-7cm
Maximum size: 36" / 90cm
Origin: Europe, Central Asia
Temperament: Generally peaceful
Lighting requirement: low
Ideal number kept together: 1+
Water Conditions
Our conditions: pH 7.5, temp 15 °C
Ideal pH: 6.0–8.0
Water flow: low
Temperature: 2–30 °C (outdoor)
Ease of Care
Easy. Very hardy, can grow very large so will need a large pond habitat.
Feeding
Feed a mixture of pond flake and pellets. If you want to achieve growth use a high-protein pellet. Feed wheatgerm pellet in the winter until feeding stops. During the summer carp can be fed up to twice a day - clear any uneaten feed.
Breeding
Egg layers. Carp will commonly spawn through spring and summer, and are commonly farmed throughout the UK.
Life Span
Carp can live 20+ years in perfect conditions.
For more information on general fishkeeping and our shipping procedures click here.
In stock orders placed before 2pm will be despatched on the same working day (not including palletised items, pond plants or fibreglass ponds).
Pre-orders are shipped once we have the stock available and will be shipped using the service chosen at checkout.
All services are working day services and do not include delivery on Saturdays and Sundays or public holidays as standard. Deliveries are usually Monday to Friday only, although some Royal Mail items may be delivered on weekends as standard if the service is available in your area.
| SERVICE | SPEND | COST |
| Packet/Courier items | ||
| Royal Mail (2-3 days) | £0.00-£49.99 | £2.99 |
| Royal Mail Next Day (1-2 days) | £0.00-£49.99 | £4.99 |
| Parcelforce 24 (1 day) | £0.00-£49.99 | £7.99 |
| Parcelforce 24 (1 day) | £50 and up | FREE |
| Pallets (booked in) | aquariums / bulky items | |
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Pallets Standard (3-5 days) |
- | FREE |
|
Pallets Express (1-2 days) |
- | £39.99 |
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| *EXCLUDED ITEMS | extra delivery fees apply: | |
| Fibreglass Ponds (booked in) | ||
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Zone 1 (7-10 days) |
- | £79.99 |
| Zone 2 (7-14 days) | - | £149.99 |
| Zone 3 (7-21 days) | - | £249.99 |
| Pond Plants (direct from grower) |
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| All pond plants (3-10 days) | one-off fee regardless of order size/value | £5.99 |
Please see our full delivery information page and terms and conditions for detailed information on shipping policies and zones