Aside from the features the share with the rest of the Ostariophysi, of which the [Weberian apparatus]? is the most notable, the Cypriniformes are distinguished by having a single dorsal fin (most of the others have a second, fleshy adipose fin) and by having teeth in the throat rather than the mouth, called pharyngeal teeth.
The most notable family placed here is the Cyprinidae, the carps? and minnows?. This is the largest family of fish, with members found on all continents except Australia, all almost exclusively in freshwater. A great many familiar fish belong here:
The other Cypriniformes include the Catostomidae?, or suckers?, and the Cobitidae?, or loaches?.