Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Chinese Hi-fin Banded Shark
Myxocyprinus asiaticus
Also called Chinese sucker, Chinese sailfin sucker, Chinese high-fin banded shark, Wimple carp, Freshwater batfish
From The Yangtze River basin of China, including tributaries such as the Yalong and Jialing rivers.12
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Scaled sucker with tall dorsal fin
Young fish are deep-bodied with a tall triangular dorsal fin and three dark bands across a brown body. As they grow past about 30 cm the bands fade and the body becomes longer and plainer. It has thick, fleshy lips and no barbels.123
Personality what they are like
A peaceful, non-aggressive fish that lives in groups in the wild and spends its time sifting the bottom for food.3
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A river fish that migrates to fast, shallow headwaters to spawn, so it needs a lot of swimming room as it grows.23
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Juveniles are sold small, but they grow roughly an inch a year into very large fish, so adults suit only large ponds (often with koi) or public aquaria. Check local laws before buying.23
Home where they are happiest
Cool to moderate water; sources give about 15 to 28 °C (FishBase) with Seriously Fish recommending 15.5 to 21 °C, pH 6.0 to 8.0, hardness 2 to 20 dGH.13
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Bottom-feeding omnivore eating insects, crustaceans, molluscs, worms and plant matter. In captivity offer sinking pellets with plant content plus small live or frozen foods.13
Company who they like around
Naturally found in groups and can share space with other large river fish.3
The story where it all began
This sucker is the only member of its genus, which is itself the only genus in its subfamily. It is farmed in China for food and bred in hatcheries for conservation, while its banded juveniles reached the aquarium trade as bottom cleaners.2
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It has been called an 'ugly duckling in reverse' because its striking juvenile bands and tall fin fade as it grows up.2
- 2
Despite the name, it is not related to sharks at all; it is a sucker.2
- 3
It is the only species in its genus, which in turn is the only genus in its subfamily.2
- 4
Breeding males turn red on the flanks while females take on a dark purple shade.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Assessed as Vulnerable (November 2022).1
- China
- A second-class nationally protected species in China, where it is also farmed for food and bred in hatcheries for conservation.2
- Legal note
- Illegal to import or keep privately in some countries, including the UK.3
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Chinese Hi-fin Banded Shark. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- Feedingevery day
- Water changeAbout 25 to 30% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Chinese Hi-fin Banded Shark?
Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed once daily. Offer sinking pellets with plant content plus small live or frozen foods, and adjust based on your fish's appetite and the food label. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.1 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Chinese Hi-fin Banded Shark eat, and what should it never eat?
It is a bottom-feeding omnivore that eats insects, crustaceans, molluscs, worms and plant matter. In captivity offer sinking pellets with plant content plus small live or frozen foods. Never feed it anything not suited for omnivorous fish; avoid overfeeding and always check with your vet.13
How much space does a Chinese Hi-fin Banded Shark need?
Juveniles are sold small but grow roughly an inch a year into very large fish, so adults suit only large ponds (often with koi) or public aquaria. It needs a lot of swimming room as it grows. Check local laws before buying.23
What temperature, light or water does a Chinese Hi-fin Banded Shark need?
Cool to moderate water is best; sources give about 15 to 28 °C with a recommendation of 15.5 to 21 °C, pH 6.0 to 8.0, and hardness 2 to 20 dGH. Provide good water quality and moderate lighting. Test water weekly and adjust as needed.13 Pet Wiki plan
How often should I clean a Chinese Hi-fin Banded Shark's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan is to change about 25 to 30% of the water weekly, test water weekly, clean the glass weekly, and rinse the filter monthly. Adjust based on your tank's needs and always follow good aquarium practices. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Chinese Hi-fin Banded Shark live with others?
Yes, it is a peaceful, non-aggressive fish naturally found in groups and can share space with other large river fish. It lives in groups in the wild and spends its time sifting the bottom for food.3
How long does a Chinese Hi-fin Banded Shark live?
It can live up to 25 years, so be prepared for a long-term commitment. Proper care and a suitable environment are key to reaching that age.23
Can I handle a Chinese Hi-fin Banded Shark?
It is best not to handle this fish; it is a scaled sucker with thick, fleshy lips and no barbels, and handling can stress or injure it. Enjoy watching it sift the bottom instead.123
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Koi
SterletWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- FishBase: Myxocyprinus asiaticus fishbase.seused for range, size, weight, temperature, IUCN, breeding colours, body features
- Wikipedia: Chinese high fin banded shark en.wikipedia.orgused for names, size, weight, lifespan, colour change, growth, protection, history
- Seriously Fish: Myxocyprinus asiaticus seriouslyfish.comused for size, water parameters, diet, behaviour, keeping and legal notes
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.