Detailed Information About the Flying Fox Aquarium Fish

---

Return to Page 5

Brief Overview

The long black stripe that runs horizontally down its body, coupled with a tendency to eat algae cause many people to confuse the Flying Fox Tropical Aquarium Fish with the Siamese Algae Eater Tropical Aquarium Fish. The two are, however, very different fish. Siamese Algae Eaters are very peaceful. The Flying Fox is a fairly aggressive, very active fish. It grows larger that the Siamese Algae Eater and can have a reddish-orange tint in its fins. When full grown these fish are territorial and shouldn't be kept with much smaller, more peaceful fish like Blue Neon Tetra, or Guppies. Good tank mates for the flying fox would be those found in a community aquarium full of larger fish such as Plecostomus, Gourami, or Angelfish.

To watch a Youtube video of this fish click here.

Detailed Wikipedia Information

The Flying Fox Tropical Aquarium Fish (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) is a popular freshwater community-aquarium fish that belongs to the Cyprinidae family. It is known to eat green algae. It is also known as kuonobarbi in the aquarium trade and is sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Siamese Algae Eater.

Physical description

The Flying Fox Tropical Aquarium Fish has a characteristic long body with a flat abdominal area. Its dorsal area has a coloration ranging from olive to dark brown. The lower half of its body has a yellowish white hue. A brownish-black line is apparent from its mouth, eye and the caudal fins. On top of this brownish-black line is a gold-colored stripe. The eyes of a flying fox may have a reddish iris. The Flying Fox Aquarium Fish's dorsal, anal and ventral finnage comprise of a black band and a white edge.

Although known to grow up to 6 inches (15 cm), Flying Fox Tropical Aquarium Fish have an average length of 4.7 inches (12 cm) in an aquarium setting.

Detailed Wikipedia Information

Distribution and habitat

The flying fox is a bottom-dweller that thrives in fast-flowing foothill rivers and streams of Borneo, Java and Sumatra in Indonesia of Southeast Asia. They are also found in Thailand.

In the aquarium

The Flying Fox Tropical Aquarium Fish is best kept in a minimum of 30 gallons of water. They are very active and will dart from one side of the tank to the other all day long. They do well in schools of 3-5+ but may get more aggressive in numbers. Standard tropical conditions are acceptable, 75-77 degrees, fine to small grained substrate, and medium aquatic foliage. This fish WILL take advantage of any small cave or hiding place you provide it with. Though it eats algae, your Flying Fox should still be given flake food, or Tubifex worms, Blood Worms, or dried brine shrimp. Definitely a fun fish to own and care for.

Return to Page 5

Click here to read full Wikipedia Article and get EVEN MORE great information!