Flying Fox

Scientific Name: Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus

Synonyms: Barbus kalopterus

Common Name(s): Flying fox

Origin: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and parts of Indonesia.

Family: Cyprinidae (Minnows and Carps)

Species Type: Minnow

Maximum Size: 4.7 inches (12 cm) in an aquarium, 6 inches (15 cm) in the wild.

Life Span: up to 10 years

Natural Habitat: The flying fox is a bottom dweller that thrives in fast flowing rivers and streams.

Diet: Herbivorous. Algae eater, but should be offered a varied mix of bloodworms, brine shrimp, sinking pellets, algae wafers, frozen peas, blanched spinach and other similar foods.

Temperature: 73°–81° F (23°–27° C)

PH: 6.0-7.5

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 liters). Aggression problems can develop if its kept in cramped conditions.

Tank Region: Bottom dweller

Temperament: Generally peaceful if kept as a single specimen in a community tank. If kept in groups they can become territorial and can become aggressive at adult size.

Possible Tank Mates: Acaras, angelfish, barbs, danios, gouramis, tetras, rasboras, platys, and other non-aggressive species of similar size. They may become territorial and aggressive with similarly shaped tank mates.

Filtration and Setup: Does best in a tank with well oxygenated, flowing water with small smooth gravel substrate. It will feel more confident and be seen more often if rocks, driftwood and broad leaf plants are provided as cover. Forages for food and rests on the leaves of tall and medium sized plants, on rocks, on driftwood and on other decor.

Breeding: Gender among flying foxes is difficult to determine. Flying foxes are not known to reproduce in the aquarium.