carp

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carp

fish group

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June 22, 2026

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koi — koi Ornamental carp, or koi, swimming in a pond in Japan.

Carp are a diverse group of freshwater fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae. The most well-known is the common carp (Cyprinus carpio), native to Eurasia but introduced worldwide. These hardy, greenish-brown fish are characterized by large scales and two barbels on each upper jaw.12

Carp are omnivorous and often disturb the water while feeding, which can negatively impact aquatic plants and animals. They are widely raised for food, particularly in Europe and Asia, due to their rapid growth and ability to live for many years. Domesticated varieties include mirror carp and leather carp.2

"Asian carp" refers to several species introduced to North America, such as grass carp, bighead carp, black carp, and silver carp. These fish were initially brought in to control aquatic pests but have become invasive, disrupting native ecosystems by consuming large amounts of plankton and vegetation. Efforts are underway to prevent their spread into the Great Lakes.34

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aquaculture
Carp
Carp raising, practiced worldwide, is a good example of advanced techniques. For the whole life cycle at least three different types of ponds are used in Europe. Special shallow and warm ponds with rich vegetation provide a good environment for spawning, a process that…
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Carp raising, practiced worldwide, is a good example of advanced techniques. For the whole life cycle at least three different types of ponds are used in Europe. Special shallow and warm ponds with rich vegetation provide a good environment for spawning, a process that…
Read More

sound reception
Special stimulation mechanisms
, catfishes, minnows, and carps), has no air sac adjacent to the labyrinth, but a possibly equivalent condition is achieved through a mechanical connection between the swim bladder and fluid chambers adjacent to the labyrinth. A chain of three or four small bones, known as the Weberian ossicles, extends…
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, catfishes, minnows, and carps), has no air sac adjacent to the labyrinth, but a possibly equivalent condition is achieved through a mechanical connection between the swim bladder and fluid chambers adjacent to the labyrinth. A chain of three or four small bones, known as the Weberian ossicles, extends…
Read More

integument
Fishes
Found in carps and similar fishes, they are thin, large, round or oval, and arranged in an overlapping pattern; growth rings are evident on the free edges. Ctenoid scales are similar to cycloid, except that they have spines or comblike teeth along their free edges; these scales…
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Found in carps and similar fishes, they are thin, large, round or oval, and arranged in an overlapping pattern; growth rings are evident on the free edges. Ctenoid scales are similar to cycloid, except that they have spines or comblike teeth along their free edges; these scales…
Read More

aquarium
Historical background
>carp was perfected. The ancient Romans, who kept fish for food and entertainment, were the first known marine aquarists; they constructed ponds that were supplied with fresh seawater from the ocean. Although goldfish were successfully kept in glass vessels in England during the middle 1700s,…
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>carp was perfected. The ancient Romans, who kept fish for food and entertainment, were the first known marine aquarists; they constructed ponds that were supplied with fresh seawater from the ocean. Although goldfish were successfully kept in glass vessels in England during the middle 1700s,…
Read More