Hi Fin Loach

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Myxocyprinus asiaticus
• Common Name: Hi Fin Loach, Chinese High Fin Banded Shark
• Adult Size: Up to 36 inches (90 cm) in the wild; usually 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) in large aquariums
• Life Expectancy: 15–25 years with proper care
• Habitat: Native to the Yangtze River basin in China. Prefers cool, fast-flowing, well-oxygenated rivers with rocky or sandy substrates

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons (680 liters) or larger — due to rapid growth and eventual large adult size
• Ideal Temperature: 60–75°F (15–24°C); cooler water preferred
• pH Range: 6.8–7.5
• Water Hardness: 4–12 dGH
• Temperament: Peaceful and non-aggressive, but may become territorial with similar bottom dwellers if space is limited. Best kept with similarly sized, peaceful fish

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes

• Diet: Eats algae, biofilm, sinking pellets, vegetable matter (zucchini, spinach, peas), and occasional protein (brine shrimp, bloodworms). Juveniles are more algae-focused, while adults benefit from a varied diet

Appearance

• Coloration (Juvenile): Striking black-and-white vertical bands with a tall, sail-like dorsal fin
• Coloration (Adult): Loses juvenile stripes and becomes more solid brown or grayish as it matures
• Body Shape: Deep-bodied with an arched back and large, high dorsal fin in juveniles

Distinctive Features

• Tall, prominent dorsal fin in juveniles resembles a sail, giving the fish its common name
• Color transformation from banded juvenile to darker adult coloration is dramatic
• Cold-water species — unlike most tropical loaches, it prefers cool, oxygen-rich water
• Large adult size means it’s more suited to ponds or very large aquariums long-term
• Slow-moving and peaceful, making it compatible with other cool-water fish like goldfish, if space permits