Carp Fishing

Fins

The carp possesses a number of fins to help it to yaw, pitch, or roll. There are two sets of paired fins known as the pectoral and pelvic fins, whilst all others are singular. Both paired sets assist with vertical and horizontal control, whilst the dorsal and anal fins help with balance. The tail fin is the most important fin of a fish as this helps with sudden bursts of speed so it can avoid danger and thus survive within the aquatic environment. However, a carp can survive without the use of its fins, and it is not uncommon to come across healthy fish that do not possess a full set.

Olfactory Senses

Situated on the dorsal surface of the snout are the olfactory sensors (the nose). The nostril opening is double, and the water enters via the anterior opening and leaves via the posterior opening; the flow of currents is generated by the swimming action of the fish. Inside the organ there are millions of tiny hairs that assist with chemoreception. There is very little scientific data about chemoreception in king carp, but in the case of the goldfish (Carassius auratus), a close relative, recordings of activity carried out by electro-olfactograms