Among a wide variety of freshwater inhabitants of the rivers and reservoirs of our country, silver crucian carp occupies a special place. This fish belongs to the cyprinid family and is one of the most coveted trophies for fishing enthusiasts.
Where can I find silver crucian?
The genus of ray-fin representatives of the river fauna of the cyprinid family is divided into two species: crucian carp, silver and gold (or ordinary). The distribution range of goldfish is very wide. Starting from European countries, the habitat of common crucian carp reaches the basin of the Russian Lena River. Silver crucian carp originally had a refuge in the Pacific Ocean basin, in Siberian rivers and in the lower reaches of the Aral Sea. But due to its unpretentiousness to natural river conditions, its habitat zone has expanded significantly. Today, crucian carp (see the photo in our article) is found in almost all fresh water bodies and rivers of the European part of the Russian Federation, the North Caucasus, the Urals and Siberia. Therefore, there is an opinion that soon the place of the goldfish, as the common crucian is sometimes called, will be occupied by silver crucian.
Gold and silver carp: the main differences
Already, many fishing enthusiasts and experts are witnessing the occurrence of hybrid species of this fish. Intraspecific crossing occurs.
At first glance, both species have an external resemblance. However, an experienced angler, looking closely, will point out a number of differences:
goldfish always has a yellow or golden hue; the color scheme depends on the habitat and may have a copper-red or bronze color;
- silver crucian strictly corresponds to its species definition; sometimes the color of the scales may have a grayish or greenish-gray hue - it all depends on the place of distribution and underwater river algae;
- scales of common crucian carp are somewhat smaller in size, but larger in the number of scales; silver crucian carp has less than 30 scales in the lateral line, while its golden brother can boast an abundant scaly coating of its lateral line;
- common crucian carp has a more rounded head, in contrast to the pointed head of a silver one;
- young goldfish in front of the caudal fin has a dark spot that disappears with age; silver brother can not boast of this feature.
Silver crucian: view description
This representative of the cyprinid family has a length of not more than 45 cm, and the maximum known weight of the caught fish is 4.25 kg. Such a catch was recorded on the Turukhan River in Siberia. This is considered the official record of Russia. However, the average fish (crucian carp) barely reaches one and a half kilograms. The life expectancy of a crucian of this species is about 8-10 years.
When does crucian carp become sexually mature? Under favorable conditions, this occurs at the age of 2-3 years and when the body length reaches at least 20 cm. The fluctuating asymmetry of the goldfish remains stable and differs from the gold in a large number of gill stamens, color of the lateral line and abdomen, which confirms the adaptation of the species to various environmental conditions habitat. This is an excellent indicator of the developmental stability of an individual.
Reproduction of offspring
Spawning of this valuable commercial fish is exactly the same in comparison with common crucian carp. The only difference is time stretch. Spawning can last from late May to early August. A comfortable condition for the reproduction of offspring is considered to be a water temperature of at least 15º C. Fertility of females can reach up to 400 thousand eggs. After the first spawning, repeated spawning occurs after two weeks. Silver carp caviar has a sticky consistency, due to which eggs are attached to underwater vegetation at a depth of no more than half a meter.
Breeding method
The population of the species is propagated by the method of gynogenesis. The bottom line is that the sperm of the male does not merge with the egg of the female. Only the egg of the female crucian carp is involved in the development of the embryo. The future offspring of river fish consists only of females. Therefore, males are very rare among silver carp floating in rivers. When inseminating eggs with sperm from close species of fish, future offspring genetically inherits only the maternal code of silver crucian carp.
The population of the species belongs to the category of white river fish, therefore, crucian meat is dense, tasty and nutritious. It is not for nothing that silver crucian is very popular in artificial breeding along with carp. In terms of culinary preferences, crucian carp is not demanding at all. Zooplankton, phytoplankton, detritus, the remains of animals and plant organisms - these are the main diet of the river inhabitant.
Habitat
Stagnant water is a favorite habitat of silver crucian carp. Closed reservoirs, small ponds and ponds, swampy forest lakes, quiet river backwaters and peat quarries - this is the exact address of our hero. It is believed that tina is the main and favorite element of crucian carp.
It is worth noting that crucian carp is a very tenacious fish. Confirmation of this is its ability to adapt to drying ponds. Burrowing in silt and hibernating, silver crucian for a long time can be without water. As soon as the reservoir is filled with water, crucian again shows signs of life.
In winter, the same thing happens. The fish freezes in ice and easily tolerates cold and frost. As soon as the heat comes, it comes to life again.
However, running water cannot be excluded, which, unlike goldfish, is preferred by its silver counterpart.
Crucian fishing technique
The most popular fishing object was and remains gold and silver crucian carp. Fishing with a fishing rod is a classic way of fishing. As a nozzle use a worm, bloodworm, bread crumb or dough, pearl barley, etc. To improve the aromatic properties, various oils are perfectly suitable: hemp, linseed, anise, and sunflower. An individual bait is selected for each pond.
The red worm is especially popular with silver crucian carp. The most catchy places are pits and underwater passages with abundant aquatic vegetation. Crucian carp is perfectly caught both from the river bottom and from the water line. After spawning, fishing is especially productive. Cool crucian is very unstable. The bite is also very vague and quiet. Premature or belated cuts do not bring results. Novice anglers should know that crucian pecks are very sluggish, so the cooked nozzle often remains untouched.
There is a special technique for catching crucian carp, both gold and silver. As soon as the float begins to tremble, and then slowly move to the side, it is necessary to hook. Usually, with a weak bite, the float lies on the surface of the water surface. This means that the moment of cutting has not yet arrived: the crucian “studies” and tastes the nozzle prepared for him. Only after a confident movement of the float should be hooked. There are no great difficulties in removing crucian carp from the water. The most important thing is the calm and smooth movements of the fisherman.
It is believed that the best time to bite is the morning and evening hours in calm and steady weather. In addition to the classical method, there are other types of fishing.
Fishing for carp
This fishing method is used in the spring. In April, when water is freed from ice, water bodies become very transparent. Due to the transparency and lack of thickets, crucian is afraid to take the bait on a float fishing rod. All fish stay away from the coast. The best way to catch would be a rubber band.
The design of the gear is very simple. The cargo is tied to a small piece of rope, and then comes the model airplane gum connected to the fishing line. Leashes with hooks are imposed on fishing lines. The load is started on a boat or thrown from the coast to an optimum distance that allows you to stretch the rubber. As a nozzle, an earthworm, bloodworm or dough is used.
Bottom fishing, or feeder
The fishing method is quite simple. At a great depth with the help of spinning, a bait feeder is thrown. It is very important that the casting site is permanent. Then the fish gathers at the "table", and then the bite begins. Thanks to this method, you can catch decent specimens of silver crucian carp. As a bait, bloodworms, maggots, worms and various feed additives are used.
Anthropogenic factors
The influence of anthropogenic factors on crucian carp is of last importance. Although the adaptation of crucian carp to habitat conditions is rather painless, one should also take into account the human impact on the environment. More and more rivers and reservoirs become unusable due to human activities. Pollution of natural resources causes fish to migrate to cleaner places. Unfortunately, if this process continues, then after some time we may not see this river beauty at all. But you really want to sit on the shore with a fishing rod in fine weather and catch your treasured crucian.
