What is "crucian carp"

Crucian carp \Cru"cian carp`\ (-shan k?rp`). [Cf. Sw. karussa, G. karausche, F. carousse, -assin, corassin, LL. coracinus, Gr. ????? a sort of fish.] (Zo["o]l.) A kind of European carp ( Carasius vulgaris), inferior to the common carp; -- called also German carp.

Note: The gibel or Prussian carp is now generally considered a variety of the crucian carp, or perhaps a hybrid between it and the common carp.

n. 1 ''Carassius carassius'', a species of carp found in northern Europe and northern Asia. 2 A fish of any species in genus ''Carassius''.

n. European carp closely resembling wild goldfish [syn: Carassius carassius, Carassius vulgaris]

The crucian carp (Carassius carassius) is a medium-sized member of the common carp family Cyprinidae. It occurs widely in northern European regions.