Carp feeding frenzy

Look over the edge of the spillway at Pymatuning Lake, Crawford County, Pennsylvania and you will see carp by the thousands gathering and collectively surging out of the water at the slightest hint that someone might toss them a piece of bread. This has been a favourite activity for decades, but I wondered whether something healthier than processed white bread might be a better option. Perhaps fish pellets? It was astonishing to not only see the sheer number of fish, but also the noise of them splashing and slurping was incredible.

comments (2)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

I understand you concern, we have a similar issue here with people feeding birds/ducks bread. Can't comment on fish, but I read an article about what it does to birds. In short, it fills their bellies yet has near-zero nutritional value. Because it lacks the nutrients they need, a long term bread diet means deformations in their offspring.

It's a hard thing for people to unlearn, since they have this strong idea that they are helping. It's as if you're ruining the "fun" and "feel good" aspect of it. Posted 6 years ago
1. Ruth Spigelman
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks for that Ferdy. I've read about birds/bread also. Unfortunately, the person who had kindly taken me to see this fishy spectacle was non too pleased that I wouldn't join in the feeding. Posted 6 years ago

The European Carp

The common carp is a widespread freshwater fish of eutrophic waters in lakes and large rivers in Europe and Asia. The wild populations are considered vulnerable to extinction, but the species has also been domesticated and introduced into environments worldwide, and is often considered an invasive species. It gives its name to the carp family: Cyprinidae. It is on the List of the world's 100 worst invasive species.

Info 17 1

Similar species: Carps, Minnows And Loaches

Species identified by Ruth Spigelman