The Crossocheilus reticulatus, commonly known as the Silver Flying Fox or Fishnet Flying Fox, is a freshwater cyprinid native to the flowing rivers and streams of Southeast Asia, including the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and southern China.
An elongate, slender fish with a silvery body and dark-edged scales that create a distinctive reticulated or fishnet pattern across the flanks. The base of the caudal fin carries a dark spot, and all fins are translucent with yellow hues. Unlike other members of the genus, it lacks the horizontal stripe of the common Siamese Algae Eater. Growing to 15-17 centimetres in length, the Silver Flying Fox is one of the larger Crossocheilus species and a capable grazer that will help control algae in the aquarium.
A mostly peaceful fish that does best in groups of six or more, where they form a shoal with a clear pecking order. Kept singly or in small numbers they can become semi-territorial with their own kind. They occupy the mid to lower levels of the aquarium and are compatible with a wide range of peaceful community species. They prefer strong water flow and well-oxygenated conditions, so the tank should replicate a river environment with a steady current. They do not tolerate poor water quality, so regular maintenance and low nitrates are important.
The Silver Flying Fox is one of the more capable algae eaters available in the hobby and will spend much of its day grazing on the surfaces of glass, plants, driftwood and substrate. It tackles a wide range of nuisance algae, including green spot algae, brown (diatom) algae, hair algae and brush algae. It is also one of the few fish that will consume Black Beard Algae, a stubborn type few other species will touch, and it will graze on blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) as well. While its appetite for algae is a real asset, it should not be relied on as the sole solution to an algae problem — good tank maintenance and water quality remain essential.
Primarily herbivorous, the Silver Flying Fox grazes constantly on algae. Where natural algae is insufficient, supplement with algae wafers, spirulina flakes and blanched vegetables such as courgette, spinach and cucumber. Occasional protein in the form of bloodworm or brine shrimp can be offered but should not form the bulk of the diet.
The Crossocheilus reticulatus, commonly known as the Silver Flying Fox or Fishnet Flying Fox, is a freshwater cyprinid native to the flowing rivers and streams of Southeast Asia, including the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and southern China.
An elongate, slender fish with a silvery body and dark-edged scales that create a distinctive reticulated or fishnet pattern across the flanks. The base of the caudal fin carries a dark spot, and all fins are translucent with yellow hues. Unlike other members of the genus, it lacks the horizontal stripe of the common Siamese Algae Eater. Growing to 15-17 centimetres in length, the Silver Flying Fox is one of the larger Crossocheilus species and a capable grazer that will help control algae in the aquarium.
A mostly peaceful fish that does best in groups of six or more, where they form a shoal with a clear pecking order. Kept singly or in small numbers they can become semi-territorial with their own kind. They occupy the mid to lower levels of the aquarium and are compatible with a wide range of peaceful community species. They prefer strong water flow and well-oxygenated conditions, so the tank should replicate a river environment with a steady current. They do not tolerate poor water quality, so regular maintenance and low nitrates are important.
The Silver Flying Fox is one of the more capable algae eaters available in the hobby and will spend much of its day grazing on the surfaces of glass, plants, driftwood and substrate. It tackles a wide range of nuisance algae, including green spot algae, brown (diatom) algae, hair algae and brush algae. It is also one of the few fish that will consume Black Beard Algae, a stubborn type few other species will touch, and it will graze on blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) as well. While its appetite for algae is a real asset, it should not be relied on as the sole solution to an algae problem — good tank maintenance and water quality remain essential.
Primarily herbivorous, the Silver Flying Fox grazes constantly on algae. Where natural algae is insufficient, supplement with algae wafers, spirulina flakes and blanched vegetables such as courgette, spinach and cucumber. Occasional protein in the form of bloodworm or brine shrimp can be offered but should not form the bulk of the diet.
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