HomeFreshwater aquarium fishSharks & algae eatersChinese sucker Chinese sucker (Myxocyprinus asiaticus) Scientific name: Myxocyprinus asiaticus Bleeker, 1864 The Chinese sucker (Myxocyprinus asiaticus) is a freshwater fish of the family Catostomidae that grows to about 60 cm (24 in). It is moderate to keep and peaceful, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 455 L (120 US gal), water at 18–28°C (64–82°F) and a pH of 6.0–7.5. Native range: Asia, China (Yangtze River basin). Chinese sucker care at a glanceCare levelModerateTemperamentPeacefulCommunity tankGoodAdult size60 cm (24 in)Minimum tank455 L (120 US gal)Temperature18–28°C (64–82°F)pH6.0–7.5DietOmnivore. Accepts flakes, sinking pellets, live foods and bloodworms. BiologyBody color in fries brown with 3 slanted dark bands on side of body; male adults red, female dark purple and a broad rouge-red vertical zone along lateral of body. Triangular and dorsal fin higher, extremely long and reaching as far as opposing to rear of anal fin; lips thick and with many small papilla; barbels absent; pharyngeal teeth 1 row and arranged like a comb.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameMyxocyprinus asiaticusFamilyCatostomidae (Suckers)OrderCypriniformes (Carps)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length60.0Common length22.0EnvironmentFreshwater; demersal; potamodromousClimateSubtropicalDistributionAsia: China (Yangtze River basin).Conservation status (IUCN)Not EvaluatedThreat to humansHarmlessUsesFisheries: commercial; aquaculture: commercialResilienceLow, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) More sharks & algae eatersBlack sharkminnowLabeo chrysophekadionFlying foxEpalzeorhynchos kalopterusLuciosoma setigerumLuciosoma pellegriniiHoven's carpLeptobarbus hoeveniiRedeye labeoLabeo cylindricusSee all sharks & algae eaters Can it live with...?Chinese sucker and Black ghostChinese sucker and Black sharkminnowChinese sucker and Blackbarred limiaChinese sucker and Bleeding-heart tetraChinese sucker and Bloodfin tetraChinese sucker and Bluespotted corydorasChinese sucker and Brilliant rasboraChinese sucker and Butterfly splitfinChinese sucker and Clown barbChinese sucker and Clown loachChinese sucker and Clown rasboraChinese sucker and Crescent bettaChinese sucker and DadioChinese sucker and Dwarf botiaChinese sucker and Dwarf rainbowfishChinese sucker and Eel LoachChinese sucker and Flying foxChinese sucker and Forktail rainbowfishChinese sucker and Gangetic leaffishChinese sucker and Garnet tetraChinese sucker and Glass catfishChinese sucker and Glowlight tetraChinese sucker and Goldeneye cichlidChinese sucker and Head-and-taillight tetraChinese sucker and Horseface loachChinese sucker and Hoven's carpChinese sucker and Indian glassy fishChinese sucker and Lake Kutubu rainbowfishChinese sucker and Leopard corydorasChinese sucker and Mosquitofish SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.Last updated 28 September 2026