Species profile
Flying Fox
Epalzeorhynchos kalopterum
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
200 L minimum aquarium
10–15 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Active Southeast Asian cyprinid often confused with the Siamese Algae Eater. Adults become territorial, especially towards similar bottom-grazing fish.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–27 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH
2–12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
1.6
Best kept singly in a normal community. Adults can be strongly territorial with conspecifics and similarly shaped fishes; groups require substantial space and numbers to diffuse aggression.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
200 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 45 cm
Accepted scientific name
Epalzeorhynchos kalopterum
Alternative names
Flying Fox, Indonesian Flying Fox, Siamese Flying Fox (legacy common name)
Native range
South-east Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Natural habitat
Flowing forest waters, including dark tannin-stained streams. Provide a long aquarium with open swimming space, wood/rock cover, good oxygenation and moderate current.
Diet & feeding
Omnivore/grazer taking worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter. Algae alone is not a complete diet; offer quality sinking foods, vegetables and invertebrate foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
External sexing is unreliable; mature females may become fuller-bodied.
Breeding
Routine home-aquarium breeding is not well established; most trade stock is commercially produced or collected. Do not infer a cave-breeding strategy.