Flying Fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus)

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Epalzeorhynchus kalopterus1.jpg
Flying Fox

Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus

95 Litres (25 US G.)

13-16 cm (5.1-6.3")

sg

Freshwater

pH

6.0 - 7.5

22.8-27.2°C (73 -81 °F)

2-12 °d

1:2 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

3-5 years

Family

Cyprinidae



Additional names

Flying Fox, Siamese Flying Fox

Additional scientific names

Epalzeorhynchus kallopterus, Barbus kallopterus


Origin

Asia: lower half of the Malayan/Thailand peninsula, Borneo, Java and Sumatra in Indonesia.


Sexing

It's not possible to visually sex this fish.


Tank compatibility

Keep with robust but peaceful tank mates. Do not keep with members of it's own species nor with other shark-like fish as the Flying Fox can be territorial.


Diet

Likes to eat algae when very young, but soon prefers dry flake food, bloodworm, etc. However, this fish will not resolve an algae problem.


Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics

Likes a long tank with a moderate to strong current and bogwood décor.


Behaviour

Territorial. Doesn't like the company of other of its own kind or another of a similar shape like the Siamese Flying Fox or Ruby Shark for example. Should be fine with other fish otherwise.


Identification

Sometimes mistakenly labelled as the Siamese Flying Fox. It looks very similar to the Siamese, as it too has a black band runs all the way from its head to the end of its caudal fin. But this fish also has a distinct thin golden band running down its side as well. Fins develop a white flash at their edges. The False flying fox is also very similar but the black band ends before it enters the caudal fin and does not have the white flashes.

Pictures

External links