Often mistaken for the Siamese algae eater, the Flying Fox notably has pairs of barbels around its mouth, a smoother edge to the line across its body, a golden band along this line down their body, and colored fins instead of translucent like the Siamese algae eater.  Alternately, it also has white or red "flashes" at the edges of its fins, whereas the Siamese or False Flying Fox do not.  The black line along the body of the Flying Fox also goes all the way through the tailfin with a more consistent thickness.


Hardy, and easy to care for, this is a popular fish that can survive various water pH levels and water hardness ranges.  They enjoy a strong water current and fine gravel as well as plenty of leafy plants, rocks, and/or driftwood they can use to hide when needed.  Typically a scavenging bottom-dweller, it will eat flake, wafer, frozen, and pellet food.  The Flying Fox will benefit, too, from eating insects or even certain vegetables such as cucumber, lettuce, and seaweed in addition to feeding on the green algae in your tank!

Due to their unique look, ease of care, algae eating qualities, and friendliness these fish are wonderful companions to many tank environments.  Flying Fox fish can make great community fish as they can be compatible with a wide range of other fish such as Acaras, Barbs, Danios, Gourmis, Loaches, Tetras, and Rasboras as long as there's enough room and hiding places.  It even sometimes will display the strange habit of resting on its pectoral fins on either the gravel or wide plant leaves!

Right now until May 13th, you can get your own Flying Fox fish for only $4.99 at Uncle Bill's Pet Centers!