Myxocyprinus asiaticus

Taxobox
name = Myxocyprinus asiaticus
status = EN


image_width = 250px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Cypriniformes
familia = Catostomidae
subfamilia = Cycleptinae
genus = "Myxocyprinus"
genus_authority = (Gill, 1878)
species = "M. asiaticus"
binomial = "Myxocyprinus asiaticus"
binomial_authority = (Bleeker, 1865)
synonyms =
*"Myxocyprinus asiaticus sinensis"
*"Myxocyprinus asiaticus asiaticus"
*"Myxocyprinus asiaticus fukiensis"
*"Myxocyprinus asiaticus bleekeri" Bleeker, 1865 The Chinese high fin banded shark, "Myxocyprinus asiaticus", is a popular freshwater community-aquarium fish that belongs to the Catostomidae family. It is also known under twenty other common names: Chinese banded shark, [http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/profiles/643.htm Lundie, Adam. Myxocyprinus asiaticus, Fishprofiles.com, 2007] , retrieved on: August 21, 2007,] Chinese sailfin sucker fish, high fin (also spelled "hi-fin") banded loach, high fin loach, Chinese high fin sucker fish, sailfin sucker, topsail sucker, Asian sucker fish, Chinese sucker fish, wimple carp, wimple, freshwater batfish, Hilsa herring, rough fish, Chinese or Asian zebra high fin shark, Chinese or Asian zebra high fin sucker, Chinese emperor, Siamese sucker, Chinese banded shark, [http://www.aqua-fish.net/show.php?what=fish&cur_lang=2&id=276 Chinese banded shark ("Myxocyprinus asiaticus"), Aqua-Fish.net, 2007] , retrieved on: August 21, 2007] and "Entsuyui" in Japanese. Its popularity in the aquarium trade placed it as an endangered species in China. [http://www.csupomona.edu/~jskoga/Aquariums/myxocyprinus/myxocyprinus.html Koga, James S. Chinese high fin banded shark, CSupomona.edu, September 2003] , retrieved on: August 21, 2007] [http://whozoo.org/Intro2000/faithbev/FMB_emperor.htm Chinese emperor, WhoZoo.org, 2000] , retrieved on: August 21, 2007] It should be noted that "Myxocyprinus asiaticus" bears no relation to true sharks except that they are both fish.

Physical description

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 lips bear small papillae without barbels. They have a single row of pharyngeal teeth that have comb-like arrangements. [http://filaman.ifm-geomar.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=12304 "Myxocyprinus asiaticus", Chinese sucker fish, Filamn.ifm-Geomar.de, 2006] , retrieved on: August 21, 2007]

Through adulthood, Chinese high fin banded sharks become darker in appearance. In old age, they lose their characteristic white bands.

Distribution and habitat

Chinese high fin banded sharks are native to the Yangtze River basins of China in Asia.

In the aquarium

Tank requirements

Chinese high fin banded sharks can thrive in tropical and coldwater aquariums. But they are known to be sensitive to nitrate level changes. They thrive in aquariums that have effective filtration, fast-flowing water [http://www.aquariacentral.com/species/db.cgi?db=fresh&uid=default&ID=0543&view_records=1 Hi-Fin Banded Shark, "Myxocyprinus asiaticus", (Bleeker, 1865), AquariumCentral.com] , retrieved on: August 21, 2007] 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.

Chinese high fin banded sharks thrive in aquariums with water temperature ranging from 65° to convert|82|°F|°C|abbr=on and with a water pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. [http://whozoo.org/Intro2000/faithbev/1999_12.htm Freshwater batfish, Whozoo.org, December 1999] , retrieved on: August 21, 2007]

Behavior

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.

Life span

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 25 years while in captivity.

Diet

Chinese high fin banded sharks are frequent food searchers. They are omnivorous and can be fed with dried, live and frozen food. They accept brine shrimp, vegetables and bloodworms.

Breeding

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.

References

pecific

General

* [http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=639710 Myxocyprinus asiaticus (Bleeker, 1865), Taxonomic Serial No.: 639710, Taxonomy, ITIS.gov] , retrieved on: August 21, 2007

External links

* [http://travel.mongabay.com/china/images/china_103-7054.html Photograph of the Chinese high fin banded shark] at Mongabay.com