Flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus)

Scientific name: Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus Bleeker, 1851

Flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus)

The Flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows to about 15 cm (5.9 in). It is easy to keep and semi-aggressive and needs a tank of at least 115 L (30 US gal), water at 22–27°C (72–81°F) and a pH of 6.0–7.5. Native range: Southeast Asia, Borneo, Java, Sumatra, in fast-flowing streams and rivers in the foothill areas.

Flying fox care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Adult size
15 cm (5.9 in)
Minimum tank
115 L (30 US gal)
Temperature
22–27°C (72–81°F)
pH
6.0–7.5
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts flakes, live foods and vegetables.

Biology

Commonly collected from the lower surface of floating objects such as boats and floating houses. Feeds on worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter. Aquarium keeping: solitary species, adults territorial; minimum aquarium size 100 cm.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus
Family
Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps)
Order
Cypriniformes (Carps)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
16.0
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.5 - 7.0; dH range: 5 - 8 demersal
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Asia: lower half of the Malayan/Thailand peninsula, Borneo, Java and Sumatra in Indonesia.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Aquarium: highly commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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