Flying Fox

[Jimmy Twotimes]

Guys

My tank is still cycling and while this is going on I keep changing my mind as to what I'm gonna keep once its up and running!!

My tank is 36inches long x 15inches wide x 18inches high (bout 32 gallonsUK). I have decided on 6 Zebra Danios, 6 Kuhli Loaches and 3/4 guppies as definates.

I'm debating on some Platys, Dwarf Corys, Tetras and a Flying Fox. I have no idea how big these flying foxes can get or whether they are suitbale for my community of peaceful fish...

Any ideas?

Cheers

Jimmy

 

[bobd_uk]

I have had flying foxes for quite a while. They tend to get to no more than 5-6 inches in my experience.

Put them in the tank as small fish - they are less aggressive that way. They're fine in a community tank, although they're not keen on sharing with shrimp.....!

 

[Jimmy Twotimes]

Thanks Bob.

I know they are good algae eaters so I wanted to get one. Are they shoalers or can I have just one?

Wont be getting any shrimp(other than the freeze dried type!) so no problem there....!

Jimmy

 

[fatbobsufc]

Are they shoalers

In my experience they are very territtorial and you would need a big tank to home two. Also, supplement their diet as if there isn't enough algae around they will opt to feed from the slimy coating on other tank inhabitants.

 

[bobd_uk]

I wouldn't put 2 males in together unless you have a very large tank. I've had a male and a female for some time (until my nitrite spike of Sunday ) and they got along fine.

 

[Jimmy Twotimes]

I dont mind just getting one, but will it fight with the Kuhli Loaches?

Cheers

Jimmy.

 

[CFC]

I think we are getting confused with the flyingfox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) and the siamese flying fox (Crossocheilus siamensis), otherwise known as the SAE.

The flying fox is a aggressive loner similar to redtail and ruby sharks, young fish may eat algea but mature fish preffer a meatier diet.
The siamese flying fox does better in small groups and is a excellent algea eater.

 

[Jimmy Twotimes]

So with a Siamese flying fox I will have no aggression towards other bottom dwellers or other fish...?

This is so complicated sometimes!!!

Jimmy

 

[Morrgan]

The siamese flying fox, also known as siamese algae eater, won't harm other fish. Just remember that they are shoalers, so get 3 or more of them.

 

[MAM]

were they actually flying foxes or otos? just checking because sometimes fish shops will label them as each other..........................

 

[Morrgan]

Good point, MANY_A_MOLLY. Here's a couple of links someone else posted on these forums a few weeks ago that I thought could be useful.

Algae Eating Cyprinids

Scroll down on this page to see a comparison between fish that look similar to the Siamese algae eater.
Siamese Algae Eater