Flying Fox
Flying Fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterum) has vivid coloring — a golden-brown body with a bold black horizontal band and contrasting red, black, and white fin markings. An effective algae grazer when young that can become territorial as an adult, though less aggressively so than the Chinese Algae Eater.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Mini Algae Wafers placed on rocks and glass supplement the natural algae grazing. Add blanched zucchini or cucumber for additional plant matter. Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes rounds out the omnivorous diet.
Algae-grazing cyprinids from clear, often fast-flowing Asian streams. They rasp algae and biofilm from hard surfaces using sucker-like mouths. Good water quality and moderate flow are beneficial.
Keep in groups of four or more — more active and less territorial in numbers. Compatible with most peaceful community fish.
Effective and attractive algae control for planted and community aquariums.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — community algae grazer |
| Typical Adult Size | 4.0–6.0 inches (10–15 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 4 minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 3–15 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–8 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Mini Algae Wafers; blanched vegetables; Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Mekong and Chao Phraya drainages, Thailand and surrounding Southeast Asia |
| Notes | Vivid red/black/white fin markings. Effective algae grazer. Can be territorial as adult — monitor. Not to be confused with SAE. |
