they are very edible, they are popular in most european countries, particularly poland, however this has led to alot of prize fish being stolen for dinner, it is the traditional christmas dinner in poland. a fish like in the photo would cost a good few hundred pound to replace. i would like to try the meat but carp lakes are catch and release.but i have found a venue in wales that is high in the mountains and has a wild carp poulation, thats quite rare in the wild.