Chinese Sucker (Myxocyprinus asiaticus)

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Chinese Sucker
Myxocyprinus asiaticus
Chinese Sucker (Myxocyprinus asiaticus)
Name Chinese Sucker
Name Lat. Myxocyprinus asiaticus
Family Sucker
Family lat. Catostomidae
Order Carps
Order lat. Cypriniformes
Origin Asia
Habitat Rivers, lakes
Diet Omnivore
pH 6.0-8.0
Behavior Peaceful
Keeping Group
Care Level Moderate
Reproduction Oviparous
Breeding None reported
Life Span 15-20 years
Protection No
Metric Units
Size Up to 60 cm
Temperature 15-27 °C
Hardness 8-20 °dH
Aquarium 500 l
US Units
Size Up to 24"
Temperature 59-81 °F
Hardness 142-356 ppm
Aquarium 150 gal

Distribution and habitat

The pennant carp are widespread in the catchment area of the middle Yangtze River with the Dongting Lake and in the Hwang-Ho. They live in slow-flowing, large rivers and lakes, but also in mountain streams with strong currents.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a robust border planting, be structured with river pebbles, stones, roots and caves (hiding places) and offer a lot of swimming space. A substrate of a fine, round-grained gravel and oxygen-rich water with a moderate to strong current is ideal

No ammonia, ammonium or nitrite should be detectable and the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content should not be missing a filter adapted to the water volume.

Diet

They are problem-free in feeding. The food supply consists of live Tubifex, Daphnia, Mysis, Artemia, Shrimps, Mosquito larvae etc., which is also accepted frozen without any problems, supplemented with algae leaves and a high quality sinking dry food (sticks, granules, pellets) with high vegetable content (Spirulina)

It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance. Only as much should be fed as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes).

Behaviour and compatibility

The pennant carp are calm, peaceful and sociable fish that do not show any aggressive or incompatible behavior. At least 5, but preferably more Pennant Carp should be kept together. Socialization with other large and peaceful fish is well possible.

In principle, only mutually compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature may be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

With young animals the determination of the sex is not possible. At spawning time males get a whitish spawning discharge and are reddish on the side.

Reproduction and breeding

There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium

They reach sexual maturity after 6 years. Between February and April they migrate upstream where they spawn in shallow, fast flowing water

In China they are a popular food fish and are farmed commercially.

Important

The pennant carps are very good algae eaters, the algae are literally sucked off. They are slow eaters, accordingly, in a socialization is to pay attention to food competition

The ideal water temperature is 24 °C, lower temperatures are also tolerated for a short time. In the summer months it is possible to keep them in a pond. They are not hardy and therefore not suitable for year-round keeping in the garden pond

The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. A regular partial water change is recommended, even if the pollutant load has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 4, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische; Harri Deutsch Verlag

  • Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF