Common carp, Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, a freshwater fish, was introduced in the Philippines as early as 1915. Years later, it was stocked in Laguna de Bay and Camarines Sur. Carps are now found in Lake Lanao, Lake Buhi, Laguna de Bay, Ambuklao and Caliraya Dams and Angat Reservoir.
With the launching of the fish production program of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the objectives of which is to accelerate fish production, it is expected that carp would be produced more abundantly. This would help alleviate the present deficiency in animal protein supply. It would serve as a low cost fish product and a good protein source.
Carps in the marker usually have a satisfactory flavor and a firm texture. During the hot summer months, however, some carps may have a musty flavor and soft texture but their food value remains. This decrease in palatability explains why carps have not become so popular among housewives.