Krap

Carp, locally known as krap or šaran, is a freshwater fish that is endemic to Skadar Lake in southern Montenegro. Scientifically referred to as Cyprinus carpio, this fish is large and fatty, and it can reach up to 25-30 kg in weight.

Along with bleak, the Skadar Lake carp account for more than 70% of the total annual catch in the lake, and they are one of the most attractive species for sport fishing in the region. Highly prized and of great economic value in the country, the carp is caught in both deep and shallow waters during the carp fishing season, which starts from June 1st and lasts till March 1st, while fishing of carp during the spawning season (from March through May) is strictly forbidden.

Skadar Lake carp mainly feeds on crustaceans, clams, worms, plant seeds, snails, and various other water organisms. In Montenegro, the carp is traditionally preserved through a process that involves salt-curing and smoking with wild pomegranate or willow wood that imparts a unique aroma and a distinctive reddish color to the fish.

Renowned for its flavor, smoked carp or dimljeni krap in Montenegrin is a culinary delicacy that is usually paired with local wine.