Flying Fox Fish

COMMON NAME: Flying Fox.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Epalzeorhynchuskallopterus.

DESIGNATION: Tropical

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Borneo andIndonesia, particularly Java and Sumatra.

SIZE: 14 cm (5.5 in) but usually smaller.

WATER PREFERENCES: Soft, slightly acid water preferred but will tolerate some deviation from this. Temperature: 23-26°C (73.5-79W).

DIET: Will accept most foods. Diet should include a vegetable component.

BREEDING: There are no reports of this species ever having spawned in aquaria.

DESCRIPTION: This is a very fast-swimming species which generally restricts itself to the middle and lower reaches of the aquarium. While being tolerant of other species, Flying Foxes are often aggressive towards each other.

Flying Fox Fish Information

• For purchasing the fish you are at first advised to know how to identify the fish. The fish has a long and slender body close to the shape of a torpedo. The fish grows to length of about 4.5 to 5 inches.
• The coloration of the fish varies from olive green to brown shade. A brownish black horizontal stripe passes through the entire stretch of the body along with tallow like appearance below the shade of the stripe. The bottom part of the body has a yellowing white hue which adds to the brilliant coloration of the fish. The tips of all the fins have whitish tinge. The dorsal fin of the fish has a base of black.
• The fish is also characterized by a mouth having a down turned shape along with two pairs of barbells. The iris of the fish has a reddish shade.
• The ideal tank settings of the fish would be arranging of a large tank that can hold no less than 36 gallons of water. The tank should be properly cleaned before filling it with water. The water must be of room temperature and should be allowed to stand for about 24 hours.
• They place a filter and fix a heater to the aquarium. The temperature of the water should be maintained in between the 70 and 79 degrees F or 21 and 25 degrees Celsius.
• To check the ph level of the water you may use a water testing kit. You must ensure that the ph level of the water remains in between 6.5 and 7.5 while the dH ranging from 5 to 8.
• Fill the bottom of the tank by spreading some gravel in the tank. Make sure the edges of the graven are not sharp but rather rounded this would save the fish from getting hurt.
• Try decorating the tank by fixing water plants. The fish should be given ample space to hide. They prefer broad shaped leaves for spawning.
• Before releasing the fish into the tank you must make sure that your fish has already been used to the temperature as that would save the fish from shock.