Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Although not a native fish, carp can be found throughout Wales especially in stillwater commercial fisheries and syndicate lakes. They can grow to over 40lb in some waters, particularly in South Wales.

Surprisingly, carp have been in Wales for a long time – since medieval times – when they were stocked by monks as a food source. Relic populations of original ‘wild’ carp strain can still be found in Llyn Gwyn and Pant-y-llyn in Powys. Carp can also be found in a few rivers such as the lower Wye and some canals.

Crucian carp (Carassius carassius) and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) can also be found in a few stillwaters in Wales. The record grass carp is 40lb from the Wharf syndicate lake in Cardiff.