Chinese high fin banded shark

The Chinese high fin banded shark is a unique freshwater fish known for its striking appearance, marked by a sleek, elongated body with distinct black and white bands and a dark-colored overall hue. It boasts an impressive dorsal fin that stands out prominently. Originating from the fast-moving streams and rivers of the Yangtze River in China, its natural habitat consists of cold water environments with strong currents. Admired for its peaceful nature and striking looks, the Chinese high fin banded shark has gained popularity in the aquarium trade. However, its large adult size and specific care requirements can make it challenging to keep in standard home aquariums.

Care Requirements

Reaching up to 1 meter in length in the wild, the Chinese high fin banded shark is best suited for very large aquariums or ponds. It requires a tank of at least 500 liters when young, but as it grows, an outdoor pond may be necessary to accommodate its size and activity levels. Cold, oxygen-rich water with strong filtration is essential to mimic its natural habitat. It prefers a water temperature of 16-22°C and a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0-7.5.

As a bottom-dwelling species, it enjoys smooth substrates and a rocky environment with plenty of hiding spaces. The tank or pond should have areas of high water flow to replicate the fast-moving rivers where the fish is native. It’s important to provide a balanced diet that includes algae, plant matter, and sinking pellets to meet its omnivorous dietary needs. Regular water changes and a stable environment are crucial for its long-term health.

Breeding

Breeding the Chinese high fin banded shark in captivity is extremely rare and challenging. In the wild, these fish migrate upstream to spawn, much like salmon, requiring specific environmental cues such as changes in water temperature and current strength. They typically breed in colder waters during the spring when the temperature drops, which can be difficult to replicate in home aquariums.

Successful breeding has primarily been observed in large, specialized facilities that can simulate natural river conditions. During spawning, the female lays adhesive eggs on rocks or gravel, which the male fertilizes externally. After hatching, the fry require highly oxygenated water and appropriate food sources, such as infusoria or specially formulated fry foods. Given the difficulties in breeding this species in home aquariums, most specimens available in the aquarium trade are wild-caught or bred in fish farms.