Our loyalty to Cyprinus Carpio is unquestionable. We're passionate about this fish, which haunts our minds day and night. I don't think you'll tell me otherwise? Nor, I'm sure, will your family! But there's an even stronger attachment to fishing in general. So yes, a few times a year, I turn away from my Great Love (carp) to escape for a few days with Ctenopharyngodon Idella (fish love). This beautiful fish deserves some attention.
A chub-like appearance
This chub-like "love carp" belongs to the Cyprinidae family. In England, the amour is called "grass carp" or "white amur". Originating in China, more precisely from the River Amur, it is found in many countries around the world. Eastern Europe is an incredible destination for stalking this beautiful fish. Its body is elongated with medium to large scales.
Its complete lateral line runs along the side of the tail. Its anal and dorsal fins are short and spineless. The caudal fin is deeply forked. Its back is dark and its flanks light, sometimes golden in some specimens.
A water cow
Almost exclusively herbivorous, it devours a wide variety of plants. A veritable mowing boat. Its feeding activity peaks from May to September. It then becomes a veritable aquatic cow. It can eat between 100 and 150% of its weight in food per day. Its hard, somewhat oblique mouth is totally adapted to its phytophagous diet. Breaking up hard vegetation is a breeze for this compulsive plant-eater.
The unloved
Today, love is present throughout France. It should be noted, however, that its introduction has become complicated (both publicly and privately). One wonders what has prompted such a relentless attack on this fish, which reproduces in the wild at almost zero rate (on our territory) and causes far less damage than other species.
It's all a question of the right balance for fish, which, it's true, can be devastating if not respected. In ecological terms, this species could well help combat the growing eutrophication of French waters. An interesting avenue for water management organizations... but some departmental federations consider it rather destructive and invasive. In fact, for some of these institutions, it has become a nuisance, whereas until now it was only a tolerated species not represented in France. However, it is still possible to introduce it by making a prior application (cerfa). Look for the error...
Striking, right down to the smell
It's really a striking fish (and a strong smelling one too!), especially when you're lucky enough to get your hands on a few imposing specimens.
In my native Berry, I still remember coming home after catching my first love. I was so proud to have caught such a mysterious and unusual fish. Especially as, at that time, grass carp weren't as common as they are today, with only a few departments in eastern France boasting some very fine specimens.Since then, this love affair has continued through a few dedicated sessions.
