Chinese sucker
📖 Overview
Chinese sucker (Myxocyprinus asiaticus), first described by Bleeker, 1864 is a large fish in the family Catostomidae (order Cypriniformes). Adults typically reach 68.00 cm in maximum length and up to 4.000 kg. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Subtropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Vulnerable.The species is important as a food fish. As a member of the Catostomidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Body 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 .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Chinese sucker is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal; potamodromous . Subtropical; 15°C - 28°C
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Chinese sucker is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Chinese sucker is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Chinese sucker has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpiodes asiaticus | Bleeker | 1864 | Synonym |
| Carpiodes chinensis | Dabry de Thiersant | 1872 | Synonym |
| Myxocyprinus asiaticus asiaticus | Bleeker | 1864 | Synonym |
| Myxocyprinus asiaticus nankinensis | Tchang | 1929 | Synonym |
| Sclerognathus chinensis | Günther | 1889 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 10 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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