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Carps Minnows and Relatives: Cypriniformes

Minnow, Carps, And Loaches And Their Relatives And People

Carps and minnows are an important food fish. The zebrafish is one of the most important model fishes in genetics and medical research. Many carps and minnows, such as goldfish, are used in aquariums. Many loaches and their relatives are sold in pet shops because they are useful for keeping aquariums clean of algae.

BOTTOM FEEDERS

Bottom-feeding carps suck in sand and mud with their food. A basket-like structure between the mouth and gills holds the food particles but lets the dirt particles pass through. The fish spits out pebbles and sand too large to pass through the basket.

Did You Know?

Carps and minnows are the largest family of freshwater fishes.

Additional topics

Animal Life ResourceFish and Other Cold-Blooded VertebratesCarps Minnows and Relatives: Cypriniformes - Behavior And Reproduction, Minnow, Carps, And Loaches And Their Relatives And People, Conservation Status - PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS, GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET