Chinese high-fin banded shark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chinese high-fin banded shark |
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| Juveniles | |
| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Myxocyprinus
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| Species: |
asiaticus
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The Myxocyprinus asiaticus, often called the Chinese high-fin banded shark, is a popular freshwater fish. It belongs to the Catostomidae family, which are also known as "sucker fish." This fish can grow very large, up to about 1.35 meters (4.4 feet) long. Because of its size, it is not suitable for most home aquariums.
This fish has many common names. Some people call it the Chinese banded shark, Chinese sailfin sucker, or high-fin loach. Other names include Chinese high-fin sucker, topsail sucker, and Asian sucker. In Japanese, it is known as entsuyui. Even though it has "shark" in its name, it is not related to real sharks at all.
Sadly, the number of Chinese high-fin banded sharks has dropped a lot. This is due to pollution in rivers and dams that block their natural migration routes. Overfishing and new introduced species also cause problems. People collecting them for the aquarium trade also affects their numbers. Because of these issues, it is now on China's list of endangered species. It is also a protected species by the state.
What Does It Look Like?
Young Chinese high-fin banded sharks have brown bodies. They usually have three dark, slanted bands across them. When adult males are ready to breed, they turn a bright red color. Adult females become dark purple with a wide, reddish area along their bodies.
Young Chinese high-fin banded sharks also have a tall, triangular dorsal fin (the fin on their back). This fin stretches almost to their tail fin. As they grow into adults, their appearance changes a lot. They become longer and lose the very high dorsal fin. Their thick lips have small bumps called papillae, but they do not have barbels (whisker-like feelers). They have a single row of comb-like teeth in their throat.
As they get older, Chinese high-fin banded sharks become darker. The pale bands seen in young fish disappear when they are about 30 to 35 centimeters (12 to 14 inches) long. Some people call this change an "ugly duckling in reverse." This means they look more unique when they are young. They grow quickly, about 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) per year. They become adults and can have babies when they are five to six years old. At this age, they are at least 60 centimeters (2 feet) long. The biggest of these fish can reach 1.35 meters (4.4 feet) in length and weigh up to 40 kilograms (88 pounds).
Where Does It Live?
Chinese high-fin banded sharks are originally from the Yangtze River basin in China. They travel into shallow, fast-flowing parts of the river to lay their eggs. However, they spend most of their time in the main parts of the river. The population in the Min River, which is a branch of the Yangtze, might have completely disappeared.
This species is also raised in fish farms in China. This is done to provide food for people.
How Long Do They Live?
In the wild, Chinese high-fin banded sharks can live for more than 25 years. They become old enough to reproduce when they are about 5 to 6 years old.
See also
