Can carp distinguish colour?
Or do they just see magnified shades of black, grey or white?
According to the research that has been published in scientific journals and texts, carp can see in colour and probably have an ability to see colour in much the same way that we do. In fact, carp like many fishes have well developed colour vision. Their eyes certainly contain both rod and cone receptors in much the same way as our eyes do and this supports the evidence that they can see colours clearly. However, it is important to note that their eyes have developed to see in low light levels beneath the water’s surface. This probably means that they can see better than we can in low light levels.
Interestingly, because their eyes have evolved to work well beneath the surface of the water, when a carp is removed from its home and held in the air they become very short sighted. This works in reverse for humans of course, if we open our eyes underwater the world is out of focus UNLESS we wear a facemask that traps air against our eyes.
In conclusion, it is fair to assume that carp can see really well in colour and can also spot very small items when the water is clear. With this in mind, rig camouflage is vital particularly in shallow clear lakes!
