Asp (Aspius aspius)

The asp is the only typical predator of the carp family. A huge mouth with a longer lower jaw, bent to form a hook, gives it the expression of pugnacious killer. The jaws and the mouth cavity are completely devoid of teeth, because, like other carp fish it has pharyngeal teeth.

With a slim silhouette and well-developed fins it is very agile and moves fast in the water. It attacks its preys from above, making spectacular jumps over the surface of the water, and – at the same time – a lot of noise. Young asp live in small shoals by the shore, older individuals lead solitary life in the river stream.

Due to the high oxygen requirements the asp avoids silted and turbid areas.