| Chinese high fin banded shark | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cypriniformes |
| Family: | Catostomidae |
| Subfamily: | Myxocyprininae |
| Genus: | Myxocyprinus (T. N. Gill, 1878) |
| Species: | M. asiaticus |
| Binomial name | |
| Myxocyprinus asiaticus (Bleeker, 1865) |
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| Synonyms | |
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The Chinese high fin banded shark, Myxocyprinus asiaticus, is a popular freshwater community-aquarium[1] fish that belongs to the Catostomidae family. They grow to over three feet long and may be unsuitable for most home aquariums. A large pond, over 1,000 gallons, would be a more suitable home[6]. It is also known under twenty other common names: Chinese banded shark,[2] Chinese sailfin sucker fish,[2] high fin (also spelled hi-fin[3]) banded loach,[2] high fin loach,[2] Chinese high fin sucker fish, sailfin sucker, topsail sucker, Asian sucker fish, Chinese sucker fish, wimple carp, wimple,[2] freshwater batfish, Hilsa herring, rough fish, Chinese or Asian zebra high fin shark,[1] Chinese or Asian zebra high fin sucker,[1] Chinese emperor,[4] Siamese sucker,[4] Chinese banded shark,[5] and Entsuyui in Japanese. Its popularity in the aquarium trade placed it as an endangered species in China.[6][4] Myxocyprinus asiaticus bears no relation to true sharks except that they are both fish.
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Young Chinese high fin banded sharks normally possess brown bodies bearing three dark-colored slanting bands. Adult males are distinguished from adult females by their red coloration. Adult females are of dark purple color with a broad and vertical reddish area along the body. The Chinese high fin banded sharks are also characterized by high and triangular dorsal finnage that extends up to the rear of the anal fin. The thick and fleshy[1] lips bear small papillae without barbels. They have a single row of pharyngeal teeth that have comb-like arrangements.[7]
Through adulthood, Chinese high fin banded sharks become darker in appearance. In old age, they lose their characteristic white bands.[1]
Chinese high fin banded sharks are native to the Yangtze River basins of China in Asia.[7]
Chinese high fin banded sharks can thrive only in coldwater aquariums. But they are known to be sensitive to nitrate level changes. They thrive in aquariums that have effective filtration, fast-flowing water[3] over-hanging plant decors, and regular water changes. Due to their inquisitiveness, Chinese high fin banded sharks are placed in tanks that do not have ornaments with narrow spaces, but with soft and smooth substrates.[1]
Chinese high fin banded sharks thrive in aquariums with water temperature ranging from 65° to 75 °F (24 °C) and with a water pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.[1]
Chinese high fin banded sharks are middle and bottom-tank dwellers. They have a peaceful temperament and are described as exhibiting playful and clown-like swimming manner. They are known to change color depending on their mood. They are compatible with rasboras, danios and Siamese algae eaters. They should not be mixed with barbs and loaches.[1]
In its natural habitat, Chinese high fin banded sharks are known to reach up to three feet long. However, they are slow-growers and may live up to 100 years while in captivity.[1]
Chinese high fin banded sharks are frequent food searchers. They are omnivorous[3] and can be fed with dried, live and frozen food. They accept brine shrimp, vegetables and bloodworms.[1]
Although known to be egglayers, there is no known successful breeding process in an aquarium setting. Males are known to acquire tubercles over their heads and fins once they reach sexual maturity.[1]