The family Cyprinidae is the most speciose fish family with over 3,000 species in 377 genera. With two exceptions, all species live in fresh or brackish water. They range in size from tiny to huge. The smallest species is Paedocypris progenetica from Indonesia. Fully grown females reach a standard length of 10.3 mm (0.41 inches). The largest species is Catlocarpio siamensis which was reputed to grow to 3m (9.8 feet) and weigh 300 kg (660lbs). Cyprinids lack a stomach but crush and grind food using pharyngeal teeth.
The family includes carp of various kinds and are important as food fish. They are naturally absent from Australia and South America but many species have been introduced.
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