A Peaceful Monster (Fish)

The Chinese Hi-fin Banded Shark (Myxocyprinus asiaticus) is a member of the family Catostomidae known more widely as the “Suckers.” The name Myxocyprinus is Latin, and means “mucus carp” the “Hi-Fin” moniker comes from a very extended dorsal fin, this feature also diminishes with age to a more proportionally sized dorsal fin. A dark colored fish with three light flesh toned vertical stripes near the anterior (front) end of the fish. Adults become darker and more uniformly colored with age, fading to a uniform dark red or purple hue.

As their name implies, the Chinese Hi-Fin Banded Sharks are native to China, specifically the upper and middle regions of the Yangtze River. Habitat change such as the construction of dams and the introduction of non native species have caused wild populations of this species to decline. However these fish are widely cultured in China as a food fish and here in the United States as a ornamental. As adults these fish are normally found in deeper parts of the river while the large finned younger fish are found in shallow, slow moving areas over rocky substrate.

Ultimately these fish will require the largest possible aquarium that you can provide them with, in warmer areas, many will become pond fish showpieces (and a real nasty surprise to the heron that has been fishing in your koi pond). There are reports of this fish reaching a record length of four feet, however two feet or slightly smaller is probably closer to an average maximum adult size. Footprint is what matters most and an adult fish will eventually require an aquarium with a footprint at least four feet wide. While they are commonly, and appropriately used in a pond settings, check your local regulations to make sure that keeping these fish in your pond is legal. These fish can tolerate cooler temperatures – but ultimately should be kept in the 60’s Fahrenheit which is room temperature for most temperature controlled homes. Fish kept outside in northern climates will need a place to winter where the water temp wont drop below the 50’s. Conversely, exposure to temperatures approaching “tropical” aquarium conditions in the high 70’s will stress these fish. Aim for mid 50's to mid 70s fahrenheit. Due to temperature constraints, these fish can be kept with koi, and other cool water species such as North American native species in an artificial pond. Due to their ability to survive at cooler temperatures, extra care should be taken to make sure none of these fish escape to the wild where they could potentially be an ideal candidate to find success in North America or Europe as an invasive exotic species.

Décor should be minimalistic to allow these large active fish plenty of space to move, with boulders and large pieces of driftwood as suitable choices. Flow should replicate their natural environment and be increased as the fish grow into their adult bodies. An excellent selection for a monster community tank, these fish are relatively peaceful and do well in groups, as they live in the wild.

Chinese Hi-Fin Sharks are omnivores and should be offered a mixed diet designed to reflect what might be available to them in the wild. Invertebrates like mysis and bloodworms are good food when these fish are small and can be changed to market shrimp, mussels on the half shell etc as they grow larger. A quality sinking pellet will help round out the diet, and one should be selected that prominently features algae or plant matter to make sure their nutritional needs are met. Blanching leafy vegetables may also be a good way to supplement their diet.

These fish have never been spawned in home aquaria, but as previous referenced are commercially raised but here and in China by using special treatments to induce spawning condition in the fish. In the wild they migrate to fast moving headwaters to spawn and the eggs are dispersed in the current. Any advanced aquarist looking to spawn this fish will need some patience, as Chinese Hi-Fin Banded Sharks do not reach maturity until six years of age. After the first couple years the fish will begin to change into adult coloration, where breeding condition males will get red on their sides, while females will remain more drab. An outdoor setup where the fish could experience seasonal changes and swim into a shallower, rapids like area might encourage spawning as well. When spawned commercially, these fish are cultured in very large spaces where they can increase flow, increase dissolved oxygen, feed a special diet, and also chemically induce spawning conditions. While highly unlikely to succeed in breeding them as a home aquarist, it would be the ultimate challenge for the most advanced of you.

While only suitable long term for aquarists with massive aquaria or ponds, the Chinese Hi-Fin Banded Shark is a showy fish suitable for large communities and would make a stunning display if one could keep a group of them together with flow to replicate their natural environment. Contact your local fish store and ask them for a sustainably sourced Chinese Hi-Fin Banded Shark from Aquatropic today!