Rare crucian carp caught in British river

Anglers have landed a rare crucian carp in a British river - a fish that is normally only found in continental Europe.

The 2lb (1kg) specimen was caught by chance by fisherman Stewart White as he was targeting chub on the River Medway in Kent.

"I couldn't believe it when I saw it - I've never seen one before in this country," said Mr White, 54.

"It was a really beautiful fish, with its golden scales and red markings. I released it back into the water after photographing it."

The crucian carp is a close relative of the common carp, but is much smaller and has different markings. It is usually found in slow-moving, oxygen-poor water and can survive in temperatures as low as 2C (35F).

It is not known how the fish got into the River Medway, but Mr White said he was "not complaining".

Crucian carp make comeback in UK thanks to conservation work

The crucian carp, a small fish that was once widespread in the UK, has made a comeback in recent years thanks to conservation work.

The crucian carp is a small fish that typically grows to around 12 inches in length. It is a member of the carp family and is closely related to the Common Carp. The crucian carp was once widespread in the UK, but it declined in numbers due to habitat loss and overfishing.

However, thanks to conservation work, the crucian carp has made a comeback in recent years. In fact, the number of crucian carp in the UK has more than doubled since 2000. This is largely due to efforts by anglers and conservation groups to protect and restore crucial habitats for the fish.

The revival of the crucian carp is good news for anglers and birders alike. The fish provide important sport fishing opportunities, and they are also an important food source for birds such as waterfowl and herons.

Anglers net rare crucian carp in Hampshire River

The Hampshire River, located just west of the small town of Milford, is well known by anglers for its population of large crucian carp. The river is also home to a variety of other fish, including pike, chub, and roach.

Earlier this week, local angler Pete Denton netted a rare crucian carp while fishing from the bank near the bridge. The carp measured in at just over 16 inches in length and weighed nearly 3 pounds.

Denton was using a small silver spinner lure when he caught the fish. "It was a bit of a surprise," he said. "I've never caught one that big before."

Despite their name, crucian carp are not actually carp at all. They are closely related to goldfish and are considered a game fish species. They are found throughout much of Europe and are popular among recreational anglers for their fight and robust flavor.

In recent years, there has been some concern among conservationists that crucian carp populations may be declining in some areas. However, they remain abundant in UK waters and provide good sport for anglers.

Conservationists move crucian carp to new home in Welsh rivers

Conservationists from the World Wildlife Fund-UK (WWF) have relocated a population of endangered crucian carp from two English rivers to two Welsh rivers in an effort to save the species.

The carp were moved on trucks and boats in what is said to be the largest ever translocation of fish for conservation purposes.

The project, which involved moving 5,000 fish, was launched in an effort to prevent the species from becoming extinct.

WWF-UK's head of freshwater, Dr. Nick Young, said: "This is a fantastic project that will help us prevent the extinction of this amazing fish. The crucian carp is an important part of our rivers and we need to do all we can to protect it."

The carp will be monitored as they acclimate to their new homes in the Rivers Wye and Usk.

Rare crucian carp spotted in Northamptonshire river

Anglers and nature lovers have been rejoicing this week as a rare crucian carp was spotted in a Northamptonshire river.

The carp, known for its golden scales and spiny fins, is thought to be the only one of its kind living in the county's waterways.

The sighting has prompted excitement among fish enthusiasts, who are keen to catch a glimpse of the elusive fish before it disappears again.

The crucian carp is a protected species in the UK, and catching or harming one can result in a heavy fine.

So far, there have been no reports of anyone catching the carp, but anglers are keeping their fingers crossed that they will be lucky enough to snap up this rare prize.