Care Level: Advanced

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: With Caution

General Description: The Chinese Hifin Banded Shark are endemic to the Yangtze River in China. Specimens available within the aquarium trade are produced on a commercial basis however, as wild populations are threatened. Often sold as attractive juveniles at approximately 3″ or less, the Chinese hifin banded shark is a species best left admired in the wild, public aquaria or to the handful of dedicated aquarists that have the means to care for and house an adult. On average, an adult Chinese hifin banded shark can grow up to 3 feet in length. Chinese hifin banded sharks experience seasonal temperature fluctuations in the wild, able to tolerate temperatures as high as 80°, but this exposure should not be prolonged as it can lead to fungal disease. An ideal temperature for a Chinese hifin banded shark is between 60° and 70°, which makes it an ideal candidate for koi and goldfish ponds but not for the typical tropical community aquarium they are often seen in. Such ponds also provide it with the space it requires.

Diet Requirements: Chinese hifin banded sharks are omnivores. Provide options such as frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms and daphnia. Foods containing Spirulina algae are a plus. Appropriate frozen food options will vary depending on the size of your specimen. Chinese hifin banded sharks may accept large sinking pellet foods, but these should not make up the majority of their diet. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: A minimum 90 gallon aquarium is needed at the very least for a small Chinese hifin banded shark. The realistic long term accommodations for a juvenile to mature into an adult requires a phenomenal volume of water of at least a thousand gallons. This species cannot be put into a biologically immature aquarium. Weekly water changes in an aquarium setting are necessary to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 20 ppm) as Chinese hifin banded sharks do not like high nitrates and deteriorating water parameters. Equipping a set up with several canister filters, or a sump system, is also needed to maintain a healthier environment for this species and combat the amount of waste it produces as an adult. A Chinese hifin banded shark will be relatively indifferent to decor, especially as an adult, but some stacked rocks to create caves for younger specimens to hide, or driftwood, may add some pizzazz to the aquarium. A lot of unobstructed and open swimming space should be of priority, and the aquarium needs to be well oxygenated with generous water movement. A substrate of round river rocks is ideal. Chinese hifin banded sharks are generally peaceful, but their need for cooler water temperatures makes them incompatible with tropical aquariums. Although Chinese hifin banded sharks are observed to congregate in the wild, we suggest keeping only one per aquarium. Recommended water conditions, 60-70° F, KH 4-20, pH 6.0-8.0. *Ponds are subject to different maintenance recommendations for a Chinese hifin banded shark given their larger volume of water.

Purchase Size: Medium: 3” to 4”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.