Flying Fox, lat. Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus- Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus distribution
Family: Cyprinidae;
Genus: Epalzeorhynchos;
Species and synonyms: Flying Fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus, Epalzeorhynchos kalopterum, Barbus kalopterus, Flying Fox Carp).
GBIF:
Flying Fox (lat. Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cypriniformes, family Cyprinidae, genus Epalzeorhynchos. A popular aquarium fish known for its ability to eat algae.
Distribution. The natural range of the Flying Fox covers rivers and streams of Southeast Asia: Sumatra, Kalimantan (Borneo), Java, Thailand and the Malay Peninsula. The fish prefer clear, well-oxygenated waters with fast currents, often found near rocky shores and areas with rocky bottoms. It has been recorded as an introduced species in some countries.
Care requirements. The Flying Fox is an active fish that grows up to 15 cm in the aquarium and up to 17–18 cm in the wild. To keep a group (3–5 specimens), a spacious aquarium of at least 150 liters with a length of 100 cm is required. Optimal water parameters: temperature 22–27°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 6.0–7.5. Powerful filtration, good aeration and water flow created by a powerhead are important. Weekly water changes of 20–25% are mandatory. Stones, driftwood and shelters are placed at the bottom, sand or fine gravel is used as substrate. Plants should have large, tough leaves (Anubias, Cryptocorynes).
Flying Foxes are omnivorous, but the basis of their diet consists of plant foods: algae (including black beard algae), blanched lettuce leaves, spinach, zucchini. Additionally, they are given live and frozen foods (bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp), as well as high-quality dry flakes and granules. Adults tend to be territorial and aggressive towards conspecifics, so it is better to keep a group together from a young age.
In the aquarium, Flying Foxes are active in the lower and middle water layers. They get along peacefully with fish of comparable size, but can show aggression towards small and veiltail forms. Recommended tankmates include barbs, danios, rasboras, large tetras, loaches and other active fish. It is not recommended to keep them with slow-moving or too small fish.
Breeding in home aquariums is difficult due to the specific nature of spawning. In nature, spawning occurs during the rainy season in fast-flowing rivers. Sexual differences are weakly expressed: females become fuller-bodied during the spawning period. In aquarium keeping, breeding usually uses hormonal stimulation in specialized farms.
The Flying Fox differs from other "algae eaters" by its characteristic black stripe along the body and bright red fins. Juvenile fish are especially effective at eating algae, but with age, interest in plant food decreases. Life expectancy is 8–10 years.
Comparison of the algae eaters Crossocheilus oblongus, Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus, Garra cambodgiensis and Gyrinocheilus aymonieri