Editing Common carp (section)

===Feeding mechanisms===
Common carp are benthic feeders and root in sediment for food items. Their barbels may help to feel for food embedded in the sediment, like plant tubers or annelids.<ref name=faohabits/> Carp pick up sediment by generating suction and mouth the content to identify and select food items by taste and size. Gill rakers form a branchial sieve that may aid in food separation, but the carp is also able to clamp down on food items it detects using a muscular palatal pad and inferior postlingual organ. The sediment is passed back and forth between the mouth and pharynx repeatedly as food is found. The carp may end up spitting out sediment,<ref name=sibbing1988>{{cite journal|last=Sibbing|first=Ferdinand A.|title=Specializations and limitations in the utilization of food resources by the carp, ''Cyprinus carpio'': a study of oral food processing|journal=Environmental Biology of Fishes|volume=22|pages=161–178|issue=3|year=1988|doi=10.1007/BF00005379|bibcode=1988EnvBF..22..161S }}</ref> which contributes to water turbidity.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/field-guide/entry/common-carp|title=Field Guide: Common Carp ''Cyprinus carpio''|website=Chesapeake Bay Program|access-date=27 July 2024|year=2024}}</ref>

While common carp have no oral teeth, 10 [[pharyngeal teeth]] are used for crushing or grinding food.<ref name=sibbing1988/><ref>{{cite journal|last=Sibbing|first=Ferdinand A.|title=Pharyngeal mastication and food transport in the carp (''Cyprinus carpio'' L.): A cineradiographic and electromyographic study|journal=Journal of Morphology|volume=172|issue=2|year=1982|pages=223–258|doi=10.1002/jmor.1051720208|pmid=30096970 }}</ref> The carp has no stomach,<ref>{{cite thesis|last=Sibbing|first=F.A.|title=Food handling and mastication in the carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)|degree=PhD|institution=Landbouwhogeschool, Wageningen University|location=Wageningen|year=1984|url=https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/food-handling-and-mastication-in-the-carp-cyprinus-carpio-l|access-date=27 July 2024}}</ref> and the intestinal length can vary based partially on dietary composition in early life.<ref name=faohabits/>