Chinese Hi Fin Banded Shark
Shark | Visited 3406 Times
It is thought to be one of the most primitive members of the Cyprinidae family. As a juvenile, the Hi Fin Banded Shark has striking contrasting colors and an inspiringly high dorsal fin. As an adult, these colors fade. Due to its its size, the Hi Fin Banded Shark requires more advanced care and handling. Therefore, an aquarium with 125 gallons or more of moving, well-filtered, and well-oxygenated water is necessary.
Picture Copyright Andrzej Zabawski
Many people find this species to be an ideal algae eater in the backyard garden pond, as the fish can tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees fahrenheit.
Peaceful by nature, the Hi Fin Banded Shark is omnivorous, but leans toward the herbivore side of this category, feeding on benthic (bottom-dwelling) invertebrates and rasp algae growing on rocks and logs. Freeze-dried or frozen bloodworms make an excellent diet for juveniles.
Family: Catosmidae
Species: Myxocyprinus asiaticus
Compatibility: Similar sized “Oddball fish” (miscellaneous fish), Plecos, and scavenger Catfish, Goldfish and Koi.
Tank Conditions: 59-82?F; pH 6.5-7.5; dH 4-20
Size: 20 in (50 cm)
Temperament: Schooling
Diet: Omnivorous
I have two young Hi Fin Banded Sharks. They are very different from one another in their daily activities and in what they like to eat. One prefers bloodworms, tropical flakes, and algae wafers. The other prefers the algae wafers almost exclusively, but will also eat tropical flakes and seaweed.
February 24th, 2007 at 3:26 amCurrently I am treating one of these sharks for a “body fungus” with Maracyn and Maroxy. The whitish “fungus” has spread very quickly over the body and fins. The shark has been severely weakened by this illness. Neither shark seems to have been affected by an Ich outbreak in the tank.
Both sharks are very sensitive to low oxygen levels, low water circulation, and high nitrates. Water should be kept CLEAN.