Flying Fox

Flying Fox, Crossocheilus siamensis, is sometimes called the Siamese Flying Fox and identified as the Epalzeorhynchus kallopterus. While both fish have a golden brown upper body, a black horizontal mid body stripe and a white belly, the Siamese Flying Fox has transparent fins and the black stripe ends at the base of the tail, on the other, the stripe extends through the tail fin. Both grow to about 6 inches in length and come from South East Asia. While they prefer softer, acidic water, they can adapt to harder water with a higher pH value, though they do require well-oxygenated water. While the Siamese Flying Fox is a really good algae eater, the Flying Fox is more of an algae nibbler. Both fish have the habit of “perching” on their pectoral fins while at rest and will lounge on broad leafed plants, driftwood and rocks. As scavengers, both fish will accept most prepared foods and their diet should be supplemented with algae based foods and even zucchini spears or a leaf of spinach.

Approximate arrival size for Flying Fox: 1 to 2.5 inches