Reticulated Flying Fox

About

Found in clear, fast-flowing stretches of the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, this reticulated flying fox (Crossocheilus reticulatus) is an interesting and underappreciated member of the cyprinid family. Its common trade names, reticulated flying fox or fishnet flying fox, are a nod to its most recognizable feature: a silvery body covered in dark-edged scales that create a net-like pattern, complemented by a distinctive dark blotch at the base of the tail. While several laterally-striped relatives can look confusingly similar, that combination of traits makes this species identifiable with a little practice. In the wild, it moves through mid-sized and large rivers in loose groups, and during seasonal flooding shifts onto floodplains to graze on algae and other plant material. That grazing habit carries over into the aquarium, where it will keep hard surfaces reasonably well cropped. It is a shoaling species with a clear social hierarchy, and keeping a group of six or more is strongly recommended. Individuals kept in smaller numbers can become shy or stressed, and weaker fish may be picked on persistently. Pair it with loaches and cyprinids from its native range for a particularly cohesive setup. Breeding in home aquaria is not documented. A rewarding choice for the keeper willing to give it the space and company it needs.