One species, several varieties
All carp belong to the same biological species: Cyprinus carpio. The differences we observe (common, mirror, leather) come from genetic variations in scale pattern. They are all carp, but natural selection and breeding have created these distinct varieties over the centuries. Understanding these differences helps you better identify your catches and adapt your fishing strategy.
The common carp
The common carp is recognised by its complete and regular scale pattern over the whole body. Its colour ranges from golden to bronze, with an elongated and powerful body. The fins are rounded. It is the most widespread variety in open water. Very combative and fast, it offers spectacular fights. The French record for a common carp is 44 kg, caught at Lac du Der. Its streamlined morphology allows lightning-fast runs that put tackle to the test.
The mirror carp
The mirror carp sports a partial and irregular scale pattern. Large shiny scales are randomly arranged on the back and flanks. The body is often rounder and stockier than the common. Each individual is unique thanks to its scale pattern, making it the variety most sought after by carp anglers. It is often heavier than the common at equal size and considered the ultimate trophy. Mirrors exceeding 35 kg are regularly caught on large French lakes.
Tip: each mirror carp has a unique scale pattern, like a fingerprint. Experienced carp anglers recognise individual fish and give them names.
Other varieties
Three other varieties are worth knowing:
- 1Leather carp: Almost no scales, smooth skin like leather, very rare in open water, often smaller.
- 2Koi carp: From Japanese ornamental breeding, bright colours (orange, white, black), present in some public venues.
- 3Grass carp: Different species (Ctenopharyngodon idella), herbivorous, elongated silver body, can exceed 30 kg.
Comparison table
Here is a summary of the main differences:
| Criterion | Common | Mirror | Leather |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scale pattern | Complete regular | Partial irregular | Almost absent |
| Body | Elongated streamlined | Round stocky | Variable |
| Colour | Golden bronze | Variable by scales | Dark uniform |
| Fighting spirit | Very combative fast | Powerful enduring | Variable |
| France record | 44 kg | ~39.5 kg | ~25 kg |
| Rarity | Common | Frequent | Rare |
Behaviour differences when fishing
When fishing, the common bolts fast in a sprint as soon as it takes, while the mirror is more enduring and delivers long, powerful fights. There is no real bait difference: both varieties feed on the same boilies and seeds. The mirror is often more wary as it is rarer and therefore less used to groundbaiting. All are caught with the same techniques: boilie, method feeder, zig rig. Adapting tackle to fight type (sprint vs endurance) can optimise your sessions.
How to identify them at the water's edge
To identify a carp at the water's edge: count the scales, observe body shape and note the unique pattern of each mirror. Photographing them helps recognition: each mirror is individually identifiable. This is the concept of 'named fish' in managed lakes, where carp anglers follow the same individuals year after year.
