"Myxocyprinus asiaticus is one of the two surviving cotostomids (suckers) found in Asia, the other being the Siberian Cotostomus rotratus, and originates from mountain streams in the Yangtze River, China. Consequently Myxocyprinus asiaticus enjoy plenty of aeration and can tolerate wide temperature variations (65 - 82°F). I am told they may even be kept outdoors in summer although prolonged low temperatures should be avoided. My fish seem comfortable at around 78°F.

Water quality is not critical but, as with many fish, Myxocyprinus asiaticus are sensitive to any abrupt changes and are particularly susceptible to nitrates. Good, powerful filtration and regular partial water changes are essential. Don't become overly concerned if the fish frequently changes colour. Batfish will lighten and darken as their mood takes them.

Myxocyprinus asiaticus are an ideal community fish. They can be kept as individuals but are at their most impressive in a shoal. Additionally they are placid in nature and continually on the move in the search for food stopping to rest only occasionally. The fish generally remain on the substrate swimming in an almost a clownish manner, along the edges and contours of the aquarium. They will on occasion, swim along long-leafed plants or up the sides of the tank until they are inverted and drift back down to the bottom. Interestingly, their active nature ceases at night. Almost immediately after lights out Myxocyprinus asiaticus will stop in situ and rest.

The fish are easily startled when first introduced to a new aquarium so take care when approaching the tank. Aside from this the only draw back to this fascinating fish is its potential adult size. In nature Myxocyprinus asiaticus can reach an amazing three feet in length! As can be seen in the photograph the fish has a high body profile in relation to its length and the tip of the dorsal fin can reach to over two feet in height. Fortunately, Batfish are slow growing. In my experience they grow around 2 inches per year and it is thought that the fish can survive over 25 years. The fish also loose their white "stripes" with age. The adult fish take on an overall darker appearance although this is somewhat dependent on their diet. Feeding brine shrimp brings out pink rather than orange flecks in the fish's colouration.

Batfish enjoy a variety of foods and can be fed flake and vegetable matter, although this must be supplemented with either live or frozen foods such as bloodworm and the aforementioned brine shrimp. Always observe the fish when feeding as they can stop eating. If this happens check the aquarium for nitrate, perform a water change if necessary and begin feeding live food only.

Almost nothing is known about the breeding of Myxocyprinus asiaticus. In fact the distinct lack of success by experts in this area was once attributed to the rumour that only males were exported in an attempt by the Chinese to corner the Myxo market! Personally I doubt this on the basis that it is very difficult to sex young Batfish (see data table below) and the hence it is unlikely that the Chinese would have been able to control the export.

It is however thought that breeding is similar to that of Cotostomus cotostomus, the American counterpart to the Myxo's Siberian relation, Cotostomus rotratus. Cotostomus sp. spawn in groups after a migration to quieter waters in the summer and depending on the size and species, some American cotostomids lay upto 50,000 eggs which, are guarded by the male."