True Flying Fox

Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus

True Flying Fox is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish. Best kept as a solitary specimen.

PeacefulBottom dwellerBest kept as a solitary specimenBeginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm)
Aquarium size
79 US gal (300 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level
Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Bottom dweller
Temperature
72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH
6–7.5
GH
4–12 dGH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 10 years
Group behavior
Best kept as a solitary specimen

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 79 US gal (300 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–26 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 4–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

True Flying Fox is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Best kept as a solitary specimen.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding. Best kept as a solitary specimen.

Feeding

As an omnivore, True Flying Fox should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 79 US gal (300 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Best kept as a solitary specimen.
  • Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Indonesia.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Bengal Loach Botia dario Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Asian Bumblebee Catfish Pseudomystus siamensis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Bala Shark Balantiocheilos melanopterus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Blacknose Butterfly Barb Enteromius candens Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°C) Arulius Barb Dawkinsia tambraparniei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 64–72°F (18–22°C) Barred Danio Devario pathirana Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C)

FAQ

How large does True Flying Fox get?

True Flying Fox reaches ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm).

What aquarium size does True Flying Fox need?

Use an aquarium of at least 79 US gal (300 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is True Flying Fox peaceful?

Yes. True Flying Fox is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for True Flying Fox?

Keep it between 22 to 26 °C.

Should True Flying Fox be kept alone or in a group?

True Flying Fox: Best kept as a solitary specimen.

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