CYPRINIDAE

Mead, A., Carlton, J. T., Griffiths, C. L. & Rius, M., 2011, Introduced and cryptogenic marine and estuarine species of South Africa, Journal of Natural History 45 (39 - 40), pp. 2463-2524 : 2507

Family CYPRINIDAE

Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758 Introduced

An intentional introduction, the common carp is a large and mainly freshwater species, but extends well into the upper or even middle reaches of estuaries, so is included here. It has a natural distribution from Central Asia to Europe, but has been widely distributed around the world as a food or sport fish. It was introduced to South Africa perhaps as early the 1700s and certainly in the 1800s ( Skelton 2001) and is found in all major estuaries from the Berg River Estuary (west coast) to St Lucia on the east coast. Although potential impacts have not been studied, this fish is known to increase turbidity by grubbing in sediments for food, and is considered a pest by conservation authorities.