Fish Database: Flying Fox - Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus
Aquarium requirements
Aquarium suitability: 3/5
Sociability rating: 5/10
Area of tank: Bottom, middle
Aquarium water conditions: 5.5-8, vs,s,m,h
Temperature: 24 - 26C
Feeding: Sinking pellets, wafers, live or frozen, vegetable and meaty foods
Minimum tank size: 90cm
Min / Max number in tank: Max 1
Fish fact file
Family: Cyprinidae (Carps & Minnows)
Synonyms: Barbus kalopterus
Other common names:
Origin: Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand
Natural habitat: Flowing waters
Size: 15cm
Behavior: Territorial and aggressive toward similar species
Breeding:
Natural water conditions: pH 6.5-7, soft
Sexing:
Flying Fox
Fish code No.2111
The Flying fox is often sold as an algae eater, and whilst it will eat some algae, it is probably sold as such in confusion with the similar Siamese Flying fox (Crossocheilus siamensis) which is indeed a very good algae eater. Flying foxes will not eat thread (hair) algae, and are of limited use as an algae eater. In the aquarium Flying foxes can be territorial and will cause trouble for fish which are not robust. Since they are similar species, sharks (labeo sp.), denisons barbs, silver sharks, and algae loaches are particular targets for squabbles. However, Flying foxes are good additions to lively communitys of medium sized fish such as barbs, rainbowfish, and cichlids. Vegetable matter should make up part of the fishes diet, although they will not harm robust plants, as well as regular sinking foods and some meaty foods. Soft, acidic water is prefered but the fish is adaptable enough to adjust to harder water. An easy to keep fish, but not suited to communities of smaller, peaceful fish. Best kept singly.
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