CARP, the typical fish of the family Cyprinidae of the order Ostariophysi, in which the air-bladder is connected with the in ternal ear by a chain of ossicles. The Cyprinidae are scaly sof t rayed fishes with abdominal pelvic fins, with a toothless pro tractile mouth, and with f alcif orm lower pharyngeal bones bearing a small number of teeth that bite against a horny plate attached to a process of the basal part of the skull. The form, number and arrangement of these teeth are of great importance in classifica tion.
About 1, 5oo species are known from the rivers and lakes of Europe, Asia, Africa and North America, but there are no Cy prinidae in South America, in Madagascar, or in the Australian region (including Celebes). Most feed on weeds or on insects, crustaceans, worms, etc. The Catostomidae (Suckers) of North America, the Cobitidae (Loaches) of Eurasia, and the Homalop teridae of southern Asia and China are related families. Other Cyprinids than the Carp are de scribed under the headings BAR