How many species of Cyprinidae are there?
How many species of Cyprinidae are there?
Also commonly called the “carp family”, or “minnow family”, Cyprinidae is the largest and most diverse fish family and the largest vertebrate animal family in general, with about 3,000 species of which only 1,270 remain extant, divided into about 370 genera..
What are the characteristics of cyprinids?
Cyprinids contain the first and only known example of androgenesis in a vertebrate, in the Squalius alburnoides allopolyploid complex. Most cyprinids feed mainly on invertebrates and vegetation, probably due to the lack of teeth and stomach; however, some species, like the asp, are predators that specialize in fish.
Why are cyprinids introduced to the United States?
Several cyprinids have been introduced to waters outside their natural ranges to provide food, sport, or biological control for some pest species. The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) are the most important of these, for example in Florida.
Why are cyprinids the most popular fish to eat?
In land-locked countries in particular, cyprinids are often the major species of fish eaten because they make the largest part of biomass in most water types except for fast-flowing rivers. In Eastern Europe, they are often prepared with traditional methods such as drying and salting.
What kind of fish are in the minnow family?
Other commonly encountered native species are creek chub, fallfish, chubs, stoneroller, golden shiner, common shiner, and various dace and minnows. Although many other fish are included in the minnow family, we primarily address those named above.
What is the biggest minnow in the world?
Due to its small size and rarity, not much is known about this minnow. The common carp is the largest member of the minnow family. The Virginia state fishing record is just over 49 pounds. Because of its large size, it typically inhabits large rivers and lakes.
Why does the cutlips minnow have a split jaw?
The cutlips minnow has a highly specialized lower jaw that is split into three lobes. While the exact reason for the split is debatable, it is theorized that it is used to help dislodge snails and insects from the stream bottom and to help crush mollusks for food.
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