OSTEICHTHYES: CYPRINIFORMES: CYPRINIDAE: Epalzeorhynchus

Epalzeorhynchus kalopterus (Bleeker, 1850)

Flying Fox

Photo by Dr. R. G. Sprackland

Range: Fresh water rivers and streams of southeastern Asia, from Sumatra to Borneo.

Diagnosis: A streamlined, near cylindrical fish with a falcate (shark-like) dorsal fin and two small black "whiskers" at the snout tip. There is a light-edged black streak running from the snout tip to the end of the caudal fin.

Description: Size to 15 cm/ 6 inches.

Natural History: The name of this fish reflects its excellent jumping prowess, and aquaria must be covered. Flying foxes are active and generally solitary. They are aggressive towards others of their own species, but make peaceful fishes in community tanks. The diet consists of small live foods, including young crustaceans, brine shrimp, and tubifex worms, but is supplemented with algae.

Reproduction: Egg-layer.

Taxonomy & Relationships: This genus now includes many of the freshwater aquarium "sharks" of the former genus Labeo, including the popular red-tailed black shark.

Variation:

Additional Comments:

Type Specimen: Syntypes: BMNH 18665.2.94, RMNH 12784, MNHN 1500. Type locality Bandjarmasin, Borneo.

Literature:

Hunziker, Ray. 1992. The sharks that aren't. Tropical Fish Hobbyist 40(8): 86-98.

Reid, G. 1985. A revision of the African species of the genus Labeo.  J. Cramer, Braunschweig, Germany.

Walker, B. 1974. Sharks and loaches. TFH Publications, Neptune, NJ.