Flying Fox - 3.5cm

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus
• Common Name: Flying Fox
• Adult Size: 5–6 inches (12–15 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 8–10 years with proper care
• Habitat: Native to fast-flowing rivers and streams in Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Malay Peninsula. Prefers clear, well-oxygenated water with rocky substrates and submerged vegetation

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 liters) for a single specimen
• Ideal Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
• pH Range: 6.5–7.5
• Water Hardness: 5–12 dGH (soft to moderately hard)
• Temperament: Generally peaceful, but can be territorial with its kind and similar-looking fish. Best kept singly or in a very large tank with lots of space and hiding spots

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes
• Diet: Algae eater by nature, but also enjoys a mixed diet of algae wafers, sinking pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber), and occasional live or frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp)

Appearance

• Coloration: Streamlined brown to olive body with a bold black stripe running from the snout to the tail, bordered by a golden line
• Fins: Transparent to slightly yellowish with black markings, especially on the dorsal and caudal fins
• Body Shape: Slender and torpedo-shaped with a sucker-like mouth adapted for grazing algae

Distinctive Features

• Often confused with Siamese Algae Eaters (Crossocheilus spp.), but Flying Foxes have black markings on the fins and a gold stripe above the black lateral line
• Excellent algae control, particularly on flat surfaces and rocks
• Active bottom-dweller—constantly foraging and patrolling its territory
• Can be semi-aggressive toward similar species or in overcrowded tanks