Flying fox (fish)

The flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) is a Southeast Asian species of freshwater fish in the Cyprinidae family. It is commonly seen in the aquarium trade. Among others, it is known to eat green algae. It is sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Siamese algae eater.

Description

The flying fox fish has a characteristic long body with a flat abdominal area. Its dorsal area has a coloration ranging from olive to dark brown. The lower half of its body has a yellowish white hue. A brownish-black line is apparent from its mouth, eye and the caudal fins. On top of this brownish-black line is a gold-colored stripe. The eyes of a flying fox may have a reddish iris. Its dorsal, anal and ventral finnage consisting of a black band and a white edge.

Although known to grow up to 6 inches (15.24 cm), flying foxes have an average length of 4.7 inches (11.94 cm) in an aquarium setting.

Distribution and habitat

The flying fox is a bottom-dweller that thrives in fast-flowing foothill rivers and streams of the Thai-Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Java and Sumatra in Southeast Asia.