Epalzeorhynchos kalopterum
True Flying Fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterum)
True Flying Fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterum)
20 in stock
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Remarks: The true flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterum) is a fish that has been coveted as a colorful addition to an aquarium’s clean up crew. While most “algae-eaters” tend to remain only silver or gray in color, the true flying fox breaks that trend. When mature individuals aren’t stressed, they sport a warm orange color overlaid with a black stripe along the top of the body and another running through each eye. Their double pair of barbels and red and black fins edged with white are used to identify true flying foxes as they otherwise can often be confused for other similar species.
While the true flying fox is heralded as an excellent solution to nuisance algae in a manageable size, this mostly only holds true for when they are young. Since most of their time in the hobby has been with them not getting the best care, many have not kept this species alive long enough to see how they change as they age. These fish can live up to and possibly even longer than 15 years and while most max out around 4-5 inches, some can grow as large as 7 inches long. Such a large size paired with their active swimming style means these fish need more space than most realize with a tank no smaller than 40 gallons being appropriate for a single flying fox.
As they age, the color on the flying fox intensifies, but not their appetite for algae. Over time, their overall appetite slows down and they begin to prefer a more omnivorous diet. To meet their dietary needs, be sure to feed your flying fox a variety of foods with both vegetable matter and insect proteins. Most are not picky and usually take to almost any food offered. Be careful of housing them with my shy bottom dwellers as the flying fox might bully them away from food.
True flying foxes have been known to occur in streams and rivers with fast-flowing currents in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Unfortunately, due to human development preventing their natural migrations during rainy seasons when these streams and rivers flood, wild populations have begun to dwindle. Due to this, it is suspected most flying foxes in the hobby are farm-raised. While being farm-raised often has fish become hardier, this species still is intolerant of water that is polluted or low in oxygen. To keep the flying fox healthy in your aquarium, provide them with plenty of filtration, water changes, and aeration. If given a wavemaker to simulate heavy currents, it can be an interesting to watch them swim through it almost effortlessly.
For the most part, flying foxes are peaceful fish so long as their tankmates don’t look like them. They live in groups but have a very intense pecking order that can extend to conspecifics if they are present. To prevent unneeded stress and potential injuries, only keep one flying fox if they are going to be in a smaller aquarium with tankmates that do not look like them. If wanting to keep as a group, be sure to have them in a large aquarium with plenty of hiding spots and in a group of at least 8 or more. Any less and the school may fixate on the weakest member, bullying them to the point of injury or even death. If the right precautions are taken, you are likely to witness interesting natural behaviors between members of the school as they assert and maintain their place in the pecking order.
Animal Data
Animal Data
- Native to: Southeast Asia
- Breeding: Tank-raised in Indonesia
- Max adult size: 6-7"
- Diet: Omnivore
- Social behavior: Peaceful
- Care skill: Beginner
Tank Parameters
Tank Parameters
- Temp range: 72°F - 79°F
- pH range: 6.0 - 7.5
- TDS range: 75 ppm - 250 ppm
- Min Tank Size:
Shipping Info
Shipping Info
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS Overnight | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS Overnight | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS Overnight | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 |
UPS Overnight |
$69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS Overnight 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS Overnight -2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS 1 Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. To avoid shipping delays, Canadian orders only ship out on Mondays and Tuesdays. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
Why buy from us?
Our Healthy & Happy Arrival guarantee
We've been packing and shipping live fish for over 50 years. When you buy from us, you get the healthiest stock and most experienced live fish shipping in the industry. So you know you won't be disappointed!
Will my fish look like the picture?
The majority of fish on our website will NOT look like their photos upon their unboxing. Fish change in appearance depending on many factors, including mood, age, gender, and social status. Fish will naturally lose color during shipping and may appear faded upon arrival. Pictures are used as examples only. Pictures may be of mature fish with full color or juvenile fish without color. We encourage you to research the species as much as possible prior to ordering in order to familiarize yourself with the various appearances they may take on. Many species have females that look drastically different to their male counterparts, and many juveniles will not have as much color (or different colors) as their adult forms. If you have questions about how the fish will look, please review their information and email us if you have any questions.
How do I know which fish can go together in my tank?
Research the product descriptions on our website and use Google search to help decide which fish can go together. PLEASE do your research and email us if you have any questions. Also, we have a very active Facebook group called Imperial Tropicals Fishkeepers where you can learn from knowledgable and experienced fishkeepers.
How do you ship live fish? Sounds risky!
We've been shipping live fish for over 50 years. we use specialized packaging and techniques to ensure their health. See how we do it.
How much does shipping cost?
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS Overnight | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS Overnight | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS Overnight | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 |
UPS Overnight |
$69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS Overnight 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS Overnight -2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS 1 Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. To avoid shipping delays, Canadian orders only ship out on Mondays and Tuesdays. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
When will I get my order?
We need 2-4 days to select and pack your fish, you'll get a notification when it ships along with tracking info. It will arrive the next day or day after, depending on your location. See our Shipping Policy for full info.
What if my order is delayed? Will my fish be OK?
We ship hundreds of packages a week, and most are delivered without any issues thanks to our experienced team and premium air courier service. Our high-tech packaging is designed to sustain the animals a minimum of 2-3 days in the box, and in some cases longer, depending on the breed.
However, sometimes delays do occur. If this happens to your order, please document and contact us promptly following our inspection and documentation policies above in order to receive credit.
Can I change or cancel my order after it is placed?
Orders can be changed or cancelled within 24 hours, subject to a 10% restocking fee. Shipping is stressful for the animals and we cannot open boxes once they have been prepped and packed.
Can you hold my order until my tank is ready?
We can hold for a few days, but not beyond a week as inventory changes rapidly. Please only place your order when you know you will be ready to receive them.
What if my order is missing something?
First, please check the box and packaging thoroughly. If you are sure an item is missing please contact us immediately.
Do you offer pickup on local orders?
Yes! Just specify local pickup as your shipping option in checkout and we'll let you know when it is ready.
What if a fish I receive seems dead, sick or doesn't look right?
97% of our orders arrive without an issue. But if something goes wrong, no worries! You're covered under our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee