Flying Fox fish
Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus
Also sold as Flying fox fish · Kalopterus
Synonyms Barbus kalopterus
The Flying Fox fish (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 16 cm (6.3 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 68–79°F (20–26°C) and pH 6–7.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 243 L (64 gal).
Check a freshwater stocking selection with your tank size and animal counts.
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 16 cm (6.3 in) |
| Minimum tank | 243 L (64 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 68–79°F (20–26°C) |
| pH | 6–7.5 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| GH | 2–12 |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Before it goes in
- Flying Fox needs at least 243 L (64 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 120P.
- It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
- It holds at 68–79°F (20–26°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
- Do not put it with Siamese Algae Eater.
- It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
- It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
- Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.
Flying Fox fish: care and setup
What tank size does the Flying Fox fish need?
Flying Fox fish: At least 243 L (64 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 120P.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
68–79°F (20–26°C), pH 6–7.5, GH 2–12.
How long does it live?
8–10 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Can it go in a new tank?
No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Flying Fox | Rainbow Shark | Red Tail Shark | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 16 cm | 15 cm | 12.5 cm |
| Min tank | 243 L | 243 L | 243 L |
| Group | 1+ | 1+ | 1+ |
| Temperature | 68–79°F (20–26°C) | 68–79°F (20–26°C) | 68–79°F (20–26°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | Yes | Yes |