Carpione

What it is

The carpione is a small salmonid fish restricted to Lake Garda in northern Italy. Adults are typically silvery with few black spots on their bodies and almost none on their heads. During the mating season, some males develop a dark, mottled colouration. This species grows to a maximum length of 69 centimetres. It lives primarily in deep water, staying between 100 and 200 metres below the surface. The fish is distinct from other trout in the region due to its specific habitat preferences and limited geographic range.

Where it lives

This fish is endemic to Lake Garda, meaning it is found naturally nowhere else in the world. Attempts to introduce the species to other lakes in Italy and abroad have failed. Within Lake Garda, the carpione inhabits deep zones, generally residing at depths between 100 and 200 metres. Spawning occurs in deeper areas near underwater springs, ranging from 50 to 300 metres. The species has not established populations outside its native lake, highlighting its strict environmental requirements.

How it lives

The carpione feeds mainly on zooplankton and crustaceans that live near the lake bottom during summer months. Both males and females reach sexual maturity at two or three years of age. The maximum lifespan for this species is five years. Mating cycles occur every one to two years. The fish remains in deep water for most of its life, only moving to specific depths for spawning. Its diet consists largely of small aquatic organisms found in the deeper layers of the lake.

Breeding and life cycle

Spawning takes place either in winter or summer. The fish lay eggs at depths between 50 and 300 metres, often near underwater springs. Captive breeding projects have been started to help save the species. Initial results from these programmes show good production of eggs, fry, and juveniles with low mortality rates. The goal is to maintain broodstock in captivity and eventually reintroduce the young fish into Lake Garda to boost wild populations.

Fish and people

The carpione has historically been a food fish for local communities around Lake Garda. However, its numbers have dropped sharply, reducing its availability. Conservationists and researchers are now focused on saving the species through scientific intervention. A captive breeding programme is underway to produce young fish for release. This effort aims to reverse the decline caused by human activities and restore the ecological balance of the lake.

Status and threats

The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the carpione as Endangered. Populations in Lake Garda fell by 80 per cent in the ten years leading up to 2006. Major threats include overfishing, pollution, and habitat degradation. Introduced species such as Coregonus may also compete with the carpione for resources. Conservation strategies now focus on captive breeding and habitat protection to prevent extinction.

Questions people ask about Carpione

Good reading and sources

• Salmo carpio on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data