Chinese delicacy crucian carp goes on sale in London

A fish delicacy from China is going on sale in London – crucian carp.

The carp has been a prized dish in Asia for centuries, but until now it has never been available in the UK.

Asian food company May Wah is importing the fish and selling it fresh at its store in east London.

Described as tasting "a bit like cod", the carp is a white flesh fish with a delicate flavour.

crucian carp
a prized dish in Asia for centuries, but until now has never been available in the UK Asian food company May Wah is importing the fish and selling it fresh at its store in east London described as tasting "a bit like cod" white flesh fish with a delicate flavour

Crucian carp caught in Basingstoke

A crucian carp has been caught in the River Loddon at Basingstoke.

The fish, which is a member of the carp family, was caught by angler Andy Dignam on Saturday, 4th March.

Andy said: "I was targeting chub with a small spinner when this crucian carp came up and hit it. I was really pleased to catch it as it's not a common species in this part of the country."

The crucian carp is a small, but sturdy fish, which can grow to a length of up to 30 inches. It is generally silver in colour, but can also be bronze or copper-coloured.

The species is found throughout much of Europe and Asia, and is also present in parts of North America. In the UK, it is most commonly found in the east and south-east of the country.

Carp classified as a crucian in Southampton

Carp has been classified as a crucian in Southampton by scientists at the University of Southampton. The new study has also shown that there are two types of carp, one originating from Europe and the other from Asia.

The research, carried out by Dr Joana Moreira and Professor Martin Taylor, is the most comprehensive study of carp genetics to date. It has shown that the two types of carp can interbreed, and that there is significant genetic diversity among both European and Asian carp populations.

Dr Moreira said: "This is an important step forward in understanding the origins and movement of this species. Our findings will help to inform policy decisions on how to manage this invasive fish."

Asian carp are considered a serious threat to native fish populations in North America, where they have been widely introduced. They are known to compete with native species for food and space, and can also transmit diseases.

European carp have been introduced into many countries around the world, including Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. They are regarded as a nuisance because they can damage dams and water supplies, and destroy submerged vegetation.

The new study was published in the journal Molecular Ecology Resources.

Essex fishermen net 'big one' - a crucian carp!

A group of Essex fishermen have reeled in a crucian carp - a fish normally found in much smaller numbers. weighing in at 2kg, the carp is thought to be the biggest caught in the UK this year.

The men were fishing for roach and bream when they hooked the fish, which took around 15 minutes to bring in. "It was a bit of a surprise when we landed it as it's not a common species there," said one of the fishermen.

Crucian carp are usually considered a nuisance by anglers as they compete for food with other fish. They are also noted for their fighting ability, making them popular with coarse fishers.

The Essex fishermen's catch is thought to be the biggest crucian carp caught in the UK this year, but larger specimens have been known to go up to 6kg in weight.

Thames fishermen catch large crucian carp

The Thames has been a popular spot for fishing since Roman times and it still provides good catches for anglers today. Recent catches include large crucian carp, which can weigh up to 4 kilos.

Crucian carp are a member of the Cyprinidae family, which also includes carp and goldfish. They are a common sight in British waters and can be caught using a variety of techniques, including float fishing, waggler fishing and bottom bait fishing.

While they may not be as glamorous as some of the other fish that can be caught in British waters, crucian carp make excellent eating and are a popular target for anglers. They can be found in both freshwater and saltwater environments and usually reach a size of around 20 centimetres.

Larger specimens can reach sizes of up to 60 centimetres or more, making them an excellent target for specimen anglers. They are also known to put up a good fight when hooked, making them an enjoyable fish to catch.

The Thames is home to a healthy population of crucian carp and there have been some impressive catches reported in recent years. Anglers targeting this species can expect to catch fish in the 2-4 kilo range, although larger specimens are also possible.