🐟 Chinese Hi-Fin Banded Shark (Myxocyprinus asiaticus)
🐟 Chinese Hi-Fin Banded Shark (Myxocyprinus asiaticus)
Coldwater Algae Grazer • Majestic Display Fish • Rare Collector’s Species
📋 The Chinese Hi-fin Banded Shark (Myxocyprinus asiaticus) is a stunning and rare freshwater fish known for its tall dorsal fin and striking juvenile coloration. Juveniles display bold black and white bands with a sail-like dorsal fin, while adults transform into a bronze to grey body with a reduced dorsal fin.
This species thrives in cool, fast-flowing waters and requires an aquarium or pond with strong filtration, high oxygenation, and lots of swimming space. They are peaceful bottom dwellers that graze on algae and detritus, making them useful in large setups, though their huge adult size makes them a species for advanced keepers only.
A rare collector’s fish, the Chinese Hi-fin Banded Shark is highly prized for its unique appearance and long lifespan but is best suited to large aquaria, coldwater systems, or ponds.
💡 Highlights
✨ Bold black-and-white juvenile pattern – striking young fish
⚪ Tall sail-like dorsal fin – unique “shark-like” appearance
📏 Grows very large (50–90 cm) – requires huge tanks or ponds
✅ Peaceful algae grazer – compatible with other coldwater species
🐠 Rare collector’s fish – sought after worldwide
🧾 A Quick Look at the Chinese Hi-fin Banded Shark
📛 Common Name: Chinese Hi-fin Banded Shark / Chinese Sailfin Shark
🔬 Scientific Name: Myxocyprinus asiaticus
👨👩👧 Family: Catostomidae (sucker-mouth carps)
🌍 Origin: Yangtze River Basin, China
📏 Max Size: 90 cm (≈ 36") wild, smaller in captivity (50–70 cm)
💧 pH Range: 6.8 – 7.8
🌡️ Temperature Range: 15 – 22 °C (59 – 72 °F) — coldwater
🧠 Care Level: Advanced (requires very large tank or pond)
💖 Temperament: Peaceful
🏠 Min Tank Size: 500 L (130 US gallons) minimum
📌 Tank Level: Bottom to mid-level swimmer
🧬 Captive Bred: ❌ No
🌿 Wild Caught: ✅ Yes (exported under CITES regulation)
⏳ Lifespan: 10 – 15 years (long-lived)
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore (algae, detritus, sinking foods)
🐣 Reproduction: Egg scatterer – not bred in captivity