A striking, torpedo-shaped bottom dweller often confused with the Siamese Algae Eater. While they eat some algae when young, adults are primarily omnivores that become notoriously territorial and aggressive, especially towards their own kind, similar-looking fish, and other bottom dwellers. They are best kept as a single specimen in a community of mid-to-top swimming fish.
Flying Fox At a Glance
Flying Fox Tank Requirements
Will Flying Fox fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Flying Fox needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Flying Fox against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Flying Fox Water Parameters
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Flying Fox Temperament & Compatibility
Flying Fox Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form. Readily identified by its distinct, smooth-edged black lateral stripe topped with a gold stripe, and colored fins (unlike the true Siamese Algae Eater which has clear fins). Must be kept solitary due to extreme conspecific aggression.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Adult, Wild Type
Flying Fox Care Guide Summary
The Flying Fox, scientifically known as Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 15 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Flying Fox requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Flying Fox is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Flying Fox is typically available in one standard form.
Flying Fox Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Flying Fox, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Flying Fox Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Flying Fox is best housed alone, as they do not tolerate others of their kind in confined spaces. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Flying Fox Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Flying Fox.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 10 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flying Fox
How big does Flying Fox get?
Flying Fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 15 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Flying Fox need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Flying Fox. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Flying Fox need?
Flying Fox thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Flying Fox peaceful or aggressive?
Flying Fox is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 7 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Flying Fox live with others of its kind?
No. Only one Flying Fox should be kept per tank. Keeping multiples in the same aquarium typically results in aggression and stress.
Does Flying Fox have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Flying Fox benefits from driftwood (digestion/hiding), smooth gravel (sensitive barbels), and plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Flying Fox need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Flying Fox is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Plants That Suit Flying Fox
These plants pair well with Flying Fox based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Flying Fox
Siamese Algae Eater
Crossocheilus oblongus
Famous for being one of the few freshwater fish that actively consumes Black Beard Algae (BBA). A torpedo-shaped, active bottom-to-midwater swimmer native to Southeast Asian streams. True Siamese Algae Eaters feature a distinct black horizontal stripe that extends all the way through the tail fin. As they mature, they can become lazy, preferring prepared foods over algae, and may occasionally chase other bottom dwellers.
Chinese Algae Eater (CAE)
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Sold widely as a small, peaceful algae-eating juvenile, the Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) undergoes a drastic behavioral and dietary shift as it matures. Growing up to 25cm (10 inches), adults stop eating algae, become highly territorial, and are notorious for attacking slow-moving, flat-sided fish (like Angelfish, Discus, and Goldfish) to feed on their nutrient-rich slime coat. Best kept in fast-flowing river setups with robust, fast-moving tank mates.
Common Pleco
Hypostomus plecostomus
A heavily armored, nocturnal catfish famous for eating algae. However, they grow incredibly large, produce massive amounts of waste, and frequently outgrow standard aquariums. They require driftwood in their diet for digestion. As they age, they may become territorial or develop a taste for the slime coat of slow-moving, flat-bodied tank mates.
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus
A highly popular, hardy, and relatively small suckermouth catfish. Excellent algae eaters that stay much smaller than Common Plecos, making them suitable for standard aquariums. They require dietary wood (driftwood) to aid in digestion and plenty of hiding caves.
Common Whiptail Catfish
Rineloricaria eigenmanni
A highly distinctive, slender, and peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish from South America. Known for its extremely elongated tail and excellent camouflaging abilities. They are non-aggressive grazers that feed on biofilm, aufwuchs, and sinking foods. Their rigid, twig-like bodies mean they need broad, smooth resting places.
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow)
Garra cambodgiensis
A cyprinid native to fast-flowing streams in Southeast Asia. It is notoriously sold misidentified as the true Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus oblongus). Unlike the true SAE, its black lateral stripe stops at the base of the tail fin rather than extending through it, and it features a yellowish stripe above the black line. It is an excellent biofilm grazer but does not eat Black Beard Algae as effectively. They require highly oxygenated water and become very territorial with conspecifics as they age.