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The life-and-death adventure of the fathead carp: Why is this fish so common in North America?
The fathead carp (Pimephales promelas) is common in North American waters. Its survival and reproductive characteristics make it a popular bait and aquarium fish. Thanks to its ability to adapt to diverse environments, the fathead carp has spread rapidly across North American waters, but what survival challenges are hidden behind such success?
Physical characteristics
The fathead carp is a very unassuming creature, typically olive-grey in colour with a darker stripe down its back and sides. When the breeding season arrives, male breams develop a gray, fleshy bump on their necks, making them more conspicuous during the breeding period.
Distribution and habitat
The fathead carp is widespread across North America, where its habitat includes small lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Their tolerance to turbid and low-oxygen waters allows them to survive in many bodies of water. Additionally, the presence of this fish is an indicator of the activity of many fish species.
Diet and Predators
The fathead carp is omnivorous, feeding mainly on bottom-dwelling food, including insects, crustaceans and zooplankton. These small fish often fall prey to larger predatory fish, such as largemouth bass and northern pike.
Chemical Warning Signs
Fathead carp have an alarm substance called Schreckstoff, which they release when attacked and alert other carps to escape. If a companion sees a predator after the alarm is sounded, they can respond quickly.
Reproduction
The male fathead carp guards his nest and is responsible for taking care of the hatching eggs. The reproductive behavior of this fish is quite special. Males will give priority to protecting nests that already have eggs. This phenomenon is called "co-parenting."
Importance to Humanity
Fathead carp is widely used as bait fish, especially the red variety which is becoming increasingly popular in the aquarium market. These fish are also used as water quality indicator fish because they are able to survive in various polluted waters.
As an indicator of water toxicity
Studies have shown that the male hormone levels of fathead carp increase in chemically polluted waters, indicating that they may be subject to endocrine disruption, which in turn affects their reproduction and growth rates.
In view of the challenges of global environmental change
Although the fathead carp is excellent in adapting to the environment, its reproductive ecology also faces challenges, especially when the water is polluted or the ecosystem is destroyed. Will this fundamentally affect the survival of this species? Woolen cloth?As research into aquatic ecosystems deepens, can the diversity of the fathead carp survive and continue to reproduce in response to the impact of human activities?
