Flying Fox Fish: A Comprehensive Guide To Siamese Flying Fox Care

Flying Fox Fish

Flying fox fish, scientifically known as Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus, belong to the Cyprinidae family. Commonly called Siamese flying fox or black widow tetra, these fish dwell in Southeast Asia’s rivers and streams. They exhibit elongated pectoral fins, reaching up to half their body length, and are known for their algae-eating habits. Flying fox fish prefer spacious tanks with plenty of hiding places and strong currents. Their sociable nature makes them ideal tank mates for larger fish, while their breeding habits require ample vegetation. Closely related to the black widow tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi), they share the scientific name Gymnocorymbus kalopterus due to taxonomic revisions.

Scientific Classification of the Flying Fox Fish

Embark on an intriguing scientific odyssey as we unravel the scientific classification of the captivating Flying Fox Fish.

Belonging to the phylum Chordata, which encompasses animals with a spinal cord, the Flying Fox Fish finds its place within the class Actinopterygii, characterized by their ray-finned structure. Its order Cypriniformes, comprising over 3,000 species of freshwater fish, hosts the Flying Fox Fish.

Delving deeper, we encounter the family Cyprinidae, the most extensive fish family, renowned for their diverse and widespread species. Within this expansive family, the Flying Fox Fish is nestled in the genus Epalzeorhynchos, a group of Southeast Asian freshwater fish with elongated pectoral fins.

Finally, we arrive at the species level, where our Flying Fox Fish is scientifically identified as Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus. This intricate scientific name captures the essence of the fish’s unique characteristics, with *kalopterus* translating to “beautiful fins,” aptly describing its graceful pectoral fins.

So, there you have it, the scientific classification of the Flying Fox Fish, a mesmerizing journey through the taxonomic hierarchy that unveils the fish’s evolutionary lineage and kinship with other aquatic wonders.

Common Names and Nomenclature of the Flying Fox Fish

The flying fox fish, known scientifically as Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus, boasts a fascinating array of common names that reveal its unique characteristics and geographical origins.

Siamese Flying Fox: This moniker emphasizes the fish’s native habitat in the Mekong River basin of Thailand and Cambodia. The term “flying fox” derives from its elongated pectoral fins that resemble the wings of a flying fox (a type of bat).

Black Widow Tetra: This name evokes the black widow spider due to the fish’s black body with prominent white markings. While not a true tetra (a member of the Characidae family), the flying fox fish shares a similar elongated body and schooling behavior.

Flying Fox: This name aptly describes the fish’s ability to glide through the water using its pectoral fins. The movement resembles a fox’s soaring through the air.

Siamese Flying Fox Fish: This name combines the fish’s scientific classification with its common name, recognizing its origins in Thailand and its unique flying characteristics.

Habitat and Distribution of the Flying Fox Fish

The flying fox fish (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) is native to the fast-flowing rivers and streams of Southeast Asia, primarily in Thailand and Malaysia. In its natural habitat, it inhabits areas with clear water, abundant vegetation, and rocky substrates.

The fish feeds on algae, plankton, and small invertebrates. It is omnivorous and will also consume fruits, vegetables, and flake food. The average size of a flying fox fish is 5-6 inches, with a lifespan of around 5 years when properly cared for.

In terms of tank size, a minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a single fish. However, because they are schooling fish, it is ideal to keep them in groups of 6 or more, requiring a larger tank size.

Behavior and Characteristics

The Flying Fox Fish, renowned for its fascinating behavior and unique physical attributes, captivates aquarium hobbyists worldwide.

Temperament: Known for their docile and peaceful nature, Flying Fox Fish are ideal for community aquariums. They are not territorial and rarely display aggression towards other species, making them excellent tank mates for peaceful fish such as rasboras, tetras, and corydoras.

Breeding Habits: Flying Fox Fish are egg-layers, and breeding them in captivity requires careful preparation. The male fish engages in an elaborate courtship dance, spreading and lowering its elongated pectoral fins to attract a female. Upon successful courtship, the female lays her eggs under the leaves of plants or in crevices.

Special Characteristics: The Flying Fox Fish possesses several distinctive physical characteristics:

• Elongated Pectoral Fins: These fins are their most striking feature, giving them the appearance of gliding through the water with ease. They use these fins for communication, courtship, and navigation.
• Dark Stripe: A prominent dark stripe running horizontally along their body distinguishes Flying Fox Fish from other species in their family. This stripe helps them camouflage in their natural habitat.
• Algae-Eating Habits: Flying Fox Fish are voracious algae eaters, making them an excellent choice for keeping your aquarium clean. They feed on a variety of algae, including hair algae and green spot algae.

Related Species

The flying fox fish, with its distinctive elongated pectoral fins, shares a scientific lineage with several closely related species, each with its unique set of characteristics.

One such species is the black widow tetra, known for its contrasting black and white markings. Both the flying fox fish and the black widow tetra belong to the subfamily Gymnocharacinae, which falls under the family Characidae. Their shared genus is Epalzeorhynchos, emphasizing their evolutionary kinship.

Another closely related species is the Siamese flying fox, a striking fish with a bright orange tail fin. Like the flying fox fish, the Siamese flying fox belongs to the Epalzeorhynchos genus and the Characidae family. However, it inhabits a distinct subfamily, the Aphyocharacinae. Despite their differences in subfamily, these species share a common ancestor, resulting in their similar physical traits and behaviors.

The flying fox fish’s relationship to other related species, such as the black widow tetra and Siamese flying fox, highlights the intricate relationships within the animal kingdom. These connections underscore the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect the delicate balance of ecosystems.