Quick Links
Stardew Valleyis primarily a farming simulation game, but there’s more to do than just planting seeds. Players can venture into the Mines to discover hidden gems and minerals or go fishing in the different water bodies around the Valley. An enchanting fish players can encounter istheMidnight Carp.
The Midnight Carp, an elegant and vividly purple fish, finds its home in the tranquil waters of theStardew Valley. This fish is known for its nocturnal habits, making it a rare catch that requires dedicated nighttime fishing. When placed in aFish Pond on the Farm, the Midnight Carp reproduces every 4 days.
Updated June 06, 2025, by Usama Ali:The Midnight Carp is a somewhat rare fish that can be found late at night in the shadowy waters of Stardew Valley. Update 1.6 has introduced a few neat tweaks that have altered the ways in which players can catch these fish and how they can be used. This guide has been updated to reflect these small changes and includes some handy tips to help you reel in those Midnight Carps more effectively.
Where to Catch the Midnight Carp in Stardew Valley
The Midnight Carp, being a freshwater fish, can befound in various freshwater areas ofStardew Valley. The best locations to catch the Midnight Carp areMountain Lakeand theCindersap Forest Pond. If players have access toGinger Island, they can find Midnight Carp in the Island’s north and west freshwater bodies.
Additionally, players who have opted for non-standard Farm layouts, such as the Forest, Riverland, Wilderness, and the Four Corners, can also catch the Midnight Carp on their farm grounds.
A charming addition in Update 1.6 is that the farmer’s pet cat, once it reaches maximum friendship, can occasionally gift them a Midnight Carp. This is more of a passive way to get this fish.
As the name implies, the Midnight Carp only comes out late at night, specifically between the hours of10 PM and 2 AM. This elusive fish is available for catching during theFall and Winter seasons.It may occasionally beavailable for sale at the Traveling Cartwith prices ranging from450to1,000 gold.
Players can catch the Midnight Carpregardless of seasonor time of day by using aMagic Bait.
Uses of the Midnight Carp in Stardew Valley
Midnight Carp is not used in any bundles and isn’t anyone’sfavorite gift in Pelican Town. A few of the villagers have neutral reactions, but the majority dislike being gifted the Midnight Carp. However, it can be in the preparation of Maki Rolls and Sashimi. It is also possible to craft aQuality Fertilizerby using a Midnight Carp.
The Midnight Carp serves as a key ingredient for theSeafoam Pudding. Players can obtain the recipe for Seafoam Pudding when they reachFishing Level 9. All they need is 1 Midnight Carp, 1 Flounder, and 1 Squid Ink to cook this delicious pudding.
Like all fish in Stardew Valley, Midnight Carp can be placed in a fish pond on the farm to produce violet Roe. Midnight Carp will generate their own type of Roe, which can be sold for a decent price. Initially, you can place up to three Midnight Carp in a pond. As players complete their requests (which are normally easy tasks such as giving certain items), the capacity of the pond will grow, and they will eventually be able to house up to ten Midnight Carp.
Once the Midnight Carp pond reaches a population of seven or more, there’s a chance it will produceRiver Jelly. This makes raising Midnight Carp quite appealing as it provides a renewable source of this unique item.
Additionally, Midnight Carp may be requested at the “Help Wanted” board outside the General Store during Fall or Winter. Delivering one fish rewards players with 450 gand 150 Friendship Points. To control the aquatic overpopulation, Demetrius might request players to catch 10 Midnight Carps in the Fall through the “Special Orders” board outside the Mayor’s Manor.
