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Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.
The Highfin Banded Shark (scientific name: Myxocyprinus asiaticus), also known as the Chinese High-Fin Banded Shark, is a freshwater fish native to China. It's highly sought after in the aquarium trade for its striking appearance, especially in its juvenile stage. Here's a comprehensive overview of the species:
🐟 General Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Myxocyprinus asiaticus |
| Common Names | Highfin Banded Shark, Chinese High-Fin Banded Shark, Chinese Sucker, Topsail Sucker |
| Family | Catostomidae (suckerfish family) |
| Origin | Yangtze River Basin, China |
| Habitat | Rivers with moderate to strong currents |
| Conservation Status | Endangered (IUCN Red List) due to habitat degradation and overfishing |
🧬 Physical Description
| Age Stage | Appearance |
|---|---|
| Juvenile | Black body with 3 bold vertical white bands and a very tall dorsal fin resembling a sail; highly popular for aquariums. |
| Adult | Loses banding, becomes more subdued in coloration (grayish or brown), and the tall dorsal fin reduces in prominence. |
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Maximum Size: Up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) in the wild; typically smaller in captivity (around 24–36 inches).
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Lifespan: Up to 25 years in captivity with proper care.
🌊 Habitat & Behavior
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Natural Habitat: Prefers clear, cool, fast-flowing rivers with rocky or gravel substrates.
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Temperature Range: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
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Water pH: 6.5 to 7.5.
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Behavior: Peaceful, bottom-dwelling fish that does well with other non-aggressive species.
🍽️ Diet
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Omnivorous | Eats algae, plant matter, small invertebrates, and detritus. |
| In Captivity | Algae wafers, sinking pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), live/frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. |
🐠 Aquarium Care (Captive)
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | Minimum 300 gallons for adult size |
| Water Movement | Moderate to strong current |
| Filtration | High-quality filtration; needs oxygen-rich water |
| Substrate | Sand or fine gravel preferred |
| Tank Mates | Other peaceful, large fish like koi or loaches |
| Lighting | Moderate |
| Decorations | Rocks, driftwood, live plants (though they may be uprooted) |
🐣 Breeding
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Natural Breeding: Migratory spawner; breeds in upstream areas during specific seasons.
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Captive Breeding: Extremely rare and difficult due to specific migratory and environmental conditions needed.
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Eggs: Females can lay thousands of eggs; external fertilization.
⚠️ Important Notes
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Not a True Shark: The name comes from its appearance; it is a type of suckerfish, not related to marine sharks.
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Growth Consideration: Many hobbyists are surprised by how large these fish grow; not suitable for small aquariums.
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Endangered Status: Due to damming of rivers, pollution, and overfishing in the wild, this species is threatened in its native habitat.
📚 Fun Facts
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The species is one of the few in the Catostomidae family native to Asia.
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Juveniles are sometimes mistaken for marine species due to their dramatic dorsal fins and contrasting coloration.
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Adults look completely different, often disappointing unprepared aquarium keepers.
To avail free shipping, purchase amount should be Rs350/-(for Aquarium Accessories and Aquatic Plants) or more, less than the above amount shipping charges applicable Rs70/- only. For live fish delivery charges applicable at the time of checkout.
Orders are normally Shipped within 1-2 days and usually take 2-5 working days to be delivered based on your location. However, you will receive an approximate timeline when you place your order.
To ensure that your order reaches you quickly and in good condition, we only ship through reputed courier agencies.
