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Flying fox fish is a freshwater variety belonging to the Cyprinidae family indigenous to the eastern and southeastern parts of Asia. Though similar to the false flying fox and Siamese algae eater, it is different from both the species in many ways. Their appealing appearance and peaceful demeanor make them a perfect aquarium fish.
| Scientific Name | Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus |
| Origin | Thai-Malay peninsula, Sumatra, Java, and Borneo, |
| Type | Freshwater fish |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern by the IUCN |
| Behavioral Characteristics | Peaceful, and cooperative when kept all by itself but could get possessive of its domain when dwelling with other species of its kind |
| School Size | 4 – 6 |
| Physical Traits | Long body with flat abdomen; sleek appearance; transparent front on the ventral, dorsal, and anal fins; a fleshy flap situated in one corner of its mouth |
| Colors | Olive or dark brown in the dorsal part; yellowish-white coloration on the upper region; brownish-black line from the mouth to the caudal fin; reddish iris in the eyes; thick black band on the edge of its dorsal, ventral, and anal fins |
| Size (How big do they get) | Small; 4.7 inches (11.9 cm) |
| Lifespan (How long do they live) | 8 – 10 years |
| Sexual Dimorphism | Present, but barely visible and hardly identifiable in juveniles; females attaining sexual maturity have a thicker body than the males |
| Probable Diseases | Ich |
| Approximate Price (How much is it for) | $ 5 – 10 |
| Care Level | Intermediate |
| Tank Size | 30 gallons (113.5 liters) for a single fish |
Water Parameters
| pH Level | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Temperature | 73 – 81°F (23 – 27°C) |
| Hardness | 2 – 12 dGH |
| Aquarium Water Flow | Strong |
Tank Ambience
| Lighting | Bright |
| Substrate Type | Fine gravel, sand, as well as rocks, driftwood and broad-leaved plants for it to hide |
| Tank Mates | Compatible with: Barbs, loaches, rasboras, gouramis, tetras, danios, discus, knifefish, eartheaters, and acaras Incompatible with: Other flying fox species especially if kept in a large group as this would trigger territorial behavior; crustaceans like shrimps, as well as snails since they form the flying fox’s food |
| Suitable Position in the Tank | Bottom |
Feeding
| Diet | Algae wafers, fresh and frozen tubifex worms as well as planarians, flakes, pellets, and crustaceans such as shrimps, lobsters, krills and crabs; vegetables like lettuce, zucchini, and spinach |
| Frequency | 2 – 3 times a day |
The flying fox fish and Siamese algae eater are often mistaken for each other, yet both possess visible differences. The black strip or band running along the body has a smooth edge for the flying fox and a rougher edge for the Siamese algae eater. The latter also have clearer fins than the former in which the fins appear more colored.
