Crossocheilus
reticulatus
Note:
Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image
provided.
The Silver Flying Fox also
known as the Reticulated Siamese Algae Eater, Fishnet Flying Fox, and
Reticulated Flying Fox, is a close relative of the more common Siamese Algae
Eater (C. reticulatus). The Silver Flying Fox has become popular in the
aquarium hobby due to its coloration, active nature, and voracious appetite for
various types of nuisance algae, including pesky black beard algae. It is a
mostly herviborous fish that is gregarious as a juvenile, but is shoaling
(rather than schooling) as an adult. As it matures, a distinct hierarchy
develops within a group of this species, and stress and aggression are likely
when the group contains less than 6 specimens.
Care is simple for the
Silver Flying Fox. It is tolerant of a wide range of water parameters, but it
will thrive in an aquarium with ample filtration and moderate to high water
flow. It is somewhat subtropical, so it is best not kept long-term in the high
end of tropical temperature range. This active fish is known to jump
occasionally, so a secure aquarium lid is recommended. It will readily eat most
high-quality dry foods rich in vegetable matter, but it should be offered fresh
vegetables such as zucchini and cucumber as well. Meaty foods should be kept to
a minimum with this fish.
As stated above, the
Silver Flying Fox is a generally peaceful fish, but it will prey on dwarf
shrimp and other very small invertebrates. It does not seem to bother most
snails, and we have found it to be generally peaceful with most larger shrimp
(such as Amano, Flower, Green Lace, and Vampire Shrimp) as long as they are too
large to be considered easy prey. The Silver Flying Fox is a schooling fish as
a juvenile, but can become more territorial with its own kind and
similar-looking species as it matures. It must be kept in groups of at least 6
fish to avoid harrassment of subdominant specimens, or else it should be kept
singly. Aggression can be kept to a minimum in a larger tank with plenty of
territory and cover for each fish.
What We Like About This
Fish:
Voracious algae eater
Will not eat ornamental
plants
Generally peaceful
disposition with fish and peaceful larger invertebrates
Very active and noticeable
fish in any aquarium
Very hardy
RECOMMENDED TANK
PARAMETERS:
Temperature: 61? - 75? F (16? - 24? C)
pH: 6.0 - 7.5
KH: 1 - 12 dKH
Minimum tank size: 50 gallons
CARE GUIDELINES:
Diet: Omnivorous. Will easily accept high quality
dry and frozen foods as well as fresh vegetables. Should be fed mostly
vegetable matter.
Social behavior: Generally peaceful, schooling/shoaling as a
juvenile. Can be somewhat territoral with its own kind or similar fish as an
adult
Origin: Tank-bred, but indigenous to Thailand,
Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Southen China
Average adult size: 6.3 -
6.7 inches (16 - 17 cm