Linear Carp

[coltergeist99]

I've been trying to do some research on why the carp in this area can look 1 of 2 ways and I'm not finding much help. So far all I've found is that the carp with a row of large scales along the lateral line is called a linear carp, and of course the carp with normal scales is a common carp. Does anyone know if the linear carp is just another type of common carp or some sort of mutation? There seems to be very little information on this and what I have found seems to be peoples opinions rather than actual scientific evidence. Many of the sites I've been to also claim that the linear carp is very rare and highly prized if the line of scales is perfect, but it seems like that's mostly what I catch any more so they don't appear to be all that rare.

Any thoughts or info on this would be great. I also have some pictures if anyone wants to take a look to see what I'm talking about.
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