{"product_id":"chinese-high-fin-banded-shark-for-sale-uk-myxocyprinus-asiaticus-4-ks88","title":"Myxocyprinus asiaticus 4 - (Myxocyprinus asiaticus) — 4-5cm","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003echinese high fin banded shark\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eMyxocyprinus asiaticus\u003c\/em\u003e) is a striking, peaceful cold-water giant from the Yangtze River basin in China. Available for sale UK through Tropical Fish Co, this unique sucker fish starts tiny but grows into a massive, long-lived show fish reaching over 1 metre in length. Only suitable for very large aquariums or ponds, this species rewards experienced keepers with decades of companionship and an unmistakable aquatic presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMyxocyprinus asiaticus\u003c\/em\u003e reaches up to 130 cm in length and displays a distinctive high dorsal fin and bold banding pattern in juveniles. Young specimens (4–5 cm) are pale with dark vertical bands and a dramatic sail-like dorsal fin. As the fish matures, banding fades and the body becomes more uniform grey-brown. The ventral sucker mouth is adapted for grazing algae and biofilm from surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is native to the Yangtze River basin in China, where it inhabits large, fast-flowing rivers with rocky substrates, cool water, and high oxygen saturation. In the wild, \u003cem\u003eM. asiaticus\u003c\/em\u003e feeds on algae, biofilm, detritus, and organic matter, migrating seasonally and living for many decades. These environments are characterized by cool temperatures, strong current, and abundant grazing surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"info-box\" style=\"background-color:#e8f4f8;padding:15px;margin:20px 0;border-left:4px solid #0077be;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin-bottom:0;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10–24°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5–8.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3,000 litres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expert\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species grows extremely large and is only suitable for very large, well-filtered, cool-water aquariums (3,000+ litres) or ponds. Juveniles are often sold small but outgrow standard aquariums quickly. Provide strong filtration, high oxygenation, smooth rocks, and ample swimming space. Cool-water conditions are essential—tropical temperatures will stress and shorten the fish's lifespan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain cool, clean, well-oxygenated water between 10–24°C with a pH of 6.5–8.0. Excellent filtration and frequent large partial water changes (50% or more weekly) are essential to keep water pristine. This species is sensitive to poor water quality and warm temperatures, requiring consistent maintenance. Monitor parameters closely and prioritize oxygen saturation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMyxocyprinus asiaticus\u003c\/em\u003e is primarily herbivorous with omnivorous tendencies. Offer a varied diet of algae wafers, sinking herbivore pellets, blanched vegetables (spinach, courgette, peas), plus occasional frozen or live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp). Feed generously to support growth, and remove uneaten food promptly to maintain water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\" style=\"background-color:#fffbea;padding:15px;margin:20px 0;border-left:4px solid #f4a500;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTop Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e This fish grows extremely large—only purchase if you have a pond or aquarium of 3,000+ litres ready for the adult fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBehaviour\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is peaceful, calm, and entirely harmless, spending its time grazing algae and biofilm from surfaces or swimming gracefully through open water. Juveniles are active and curious; adults become more sedate but remain gentle and non-aggressive. They are solitary and do not form social bonds, though multiple individuals can coexist if space permits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal companions include large, peaceful cool-water fish of similar size, other non-aggressive species that can tolerate strong current and ample space, and robust fish that will not be outcompeted at feeding time. Avoid small fish that may be outcompeted or eaten, aggressive or fin-nipping species, warm-water tropical fish, and very small invertebrates. This species does best in spacious, calm setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreeding is uncommon in home aquaria and typically requires very large systems, seasonal temperature changes, and strong current. Little reliable captive-breeding information is available. This species is not suited to breeding by hobbyists, and most specimens are wild-caught or bred in commercial facilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co UK, we supply healthy, acclimated \u003cem\u003eMyxocyprinus asiaticus\u003c\/em\u003e juveniles carefully selected for size, health, and vitality. We provide clear guidance on the fish's ultimate size and requirements, ensuring you understand the long-term commitment. With expert care advice, secure packaging, and a commitment to responsible fishkeeping, we make adding this impressive species to your large aquarium or pond straightforward and rewarding. Order today.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57427536970063,"sku":"KS88","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/myxocyprinus-asiaticus-4-myxocyprinus-asiaticus-4-5cm-hero-driftwood-ks88.webp?v=1776552409","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/chinese-high-fin-banded-shark-for-sale-uk-myxocyprinus-asiaticus-4-ks88","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}