Flying Fox Carp

About

The flying fox carp (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) is one of those fish that gets sold with far too little context, and that gap between expectation and reality has tripped up many a hobbyist. Found across the lower Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Java, and Sumatra, it naturally leads a solitary life, probably encountering others of its own kind only occasionally. In the aquarium that solitary streak becomes a stubborn territorial streak, especially as the fish matures. Juveniles tend to be shy and retiring, but adults can become seriously aggressive toward anything that resembles them visually. Other Epalzeorhynchos, Crossocheilus, Garra, and Gyrinocheilus species are particular targets and are best kept well away. Oddly, certain loaches seem to earn a pass, and there are even reports of individuals forming loose associations with clown loaches. Identifying this species is pretty straightforward once you know what to look for: the fins are distinctively edged in white, with red and black coloration, and the fish carries two pairs of barbels. It also gets sold as an algae eater, which is a bit misleading. It will graze, but it is nowhere near as efficient at the job as some Crossocheilus species. Keep it singly, add it to the tank last, and stock the upper levels with robust, active schooling fish. An intermediate-level species worth the effort, but not one to impulse-buy.