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Flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) — Cyprinidae

Flying fox

Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus
Family: Cyprinidae

The Flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) is a fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

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Description

The flying fox is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from fast-flowing fresh water of Sundaland in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a slender, elongate body with a golden-brown back, a broad black longitudinal stripe over the flank and reddish fins with black markings. As a bottom-oriented fish it clings to stones and wood with its inferior mouth and rasps algae, biofilm and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans and is popular in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Flying fox?

The Flying fox is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Flying fox live?

The Flying fox is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Flying fox get?

The Flying fox grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Flying fox dangerous to humans?

No, the Flying fox is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) — Cyprinidae — 2
© President and Fellows of Harvard College (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — MCZ
Flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) — Cyprinidae — 3
Naturalis Biodiversity Center (CC0 1.0) via GBIF
Flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) — Cyprinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Rafael Abizar, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) — Cyprinidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Published by Zoologische Mededelingen, at http://www.zoologischemededelingen.nl . Creative commons license published on main page. (CC BY 3.0)
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All data

Identification

English name
Flying fox sourced
Scientific name
Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
15 sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Horizontal stripes sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Epalzeorhynchos

More from the family Cyprinidae

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