Abstract: The ontogenetic development of pharyngeal teeth of Cyprinus carpio were exa-mined.A total of 5 generations has been observed in the development of the teeth.The external features and arrangments of the teeth in early-development larvae ofthe fish are very similar to other cyprinid fishes.However,the tooth A4Pol exis-ting on the main row as in other cyprinids disappears after the 3th generation. Theunique dentition of three-teeth type has therefore been observed with the formula1.1.3-3.1.1. in C. carpio. Comparisons on the development of pharyngeal teeth ofC. carpio with its allied species lead the arthor to suggest that C. carpio is mostclosely relatied to the genus Mesocyprinus, and then to Procypris and Puntioplites.Among subfamilies in Cyprinidae, the close relations were found between Cyprininaeand Barbinae.