Flying Fox

The Flying Fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) is a popular and attractive cyprinid from the flowing rivers and streams of Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is a streamlined fish with a strongly arched dorsal profile and a bold black lateral stripe bordered by golden-yellow above, with a complex pattern of black and yellow banding in the fins that makes it one of the more visually ornate members of its family.

In the aquarium the Flying Fox is best kept singly or in groups of five or more, as individual fish without companions can become territorial toward other bottom-dwelling species. It is an efficient grazer that will consume algae and aufwuchs from plant leaves and décor, though it is less effective against tough algae types than the true Siamese Algae Eater.

Adult Flying Foxes can reach up to 15 cm and require a spacious aquarium with robust planting and driftwood. Their semi-aggressive tendencies toward other benthic species should be managed through careful tank planning and sufficient territory.

Water: Temperature 24–26°C, pH 6.0–7.5, GH 5–15; well-oxygenated flowing water preferred; strong filtration essential. Tank: Minimum 150 L; driftwood, smooth rocks, and robust plants provide territory; open substrate areas for foraging. Feeding: Omnivorous; algae wafers, pellets, blanched vegetables, and frozen foods; supplement with live foods for variety. Breeding: Not recorded in aquarium conditions; sexing difficult; no reliable captive breeding protocol exists. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive toward other bottom-dwellers; do not mix with other Epalzeorhynchos species; peaceful toward mid- and upper-water fish.