Reticulated flying fox

Crossocheilus reticulatus

Dark-edged silver scales and a tail-base blotch; plan long, oxygenated group space.

Dark scale margins form a net pattern on the elongated silver body, with a black mark near the tail base, rather than a continuous side stripe. Its algae-eater trade name does not replace feeding.

Adult length: Up to 17 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 16–24 °C
Lifespan: About 10 years
pH: 6–7.5
Hardness: 1–12 dGH

Natural habitat: Inhabits flowing streams and tributaries over boulders, pebbles, gravel and sand, often with submerged wood or roots.

Provide a mature, clean, well-oxygenated aquarium with water movement.

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Appearance and identification

The net pattern and a tail mark alone do not rule out similar species.

Same-species behaviour

Keep at least six; they form loose aggregations with a pecking order. Smaller groups can expose weaker fish to repeated bullying. This is not permanent synchronized schooling.

Space requirements

Use a 180 × 45 cm base for a group. Plan long swimming lanes, grazing surfaces and distributed cover around at least six fish and their hierarchy. Provide oxygenation and flow.

Diet and feeding

Provide plant-based or Spirulina-containing foods with vegetables and regular supplementary feeding; biofilm is only part of its food. Avoid a persistently high-protein diet. It does not reliably remove particular algae.

Compatibility limits

Choose companions suited to the flow, oxygen and space available, and watch the hierarchy among conspecifics.

Aquarium environment

Hardy attached plants suit the flowing layout while leaving rock surfaces and swimming lanes. Many delicate plants do not suit these conditions. Grazing does not eliminate maintenance.

Sources

www.seriouslyfish.com ↗ 2026-10-22

api.gbif.org ↗ 2026-10-22

researcharchive.calacademy.org ↗ 2026-10-22

doi.org ↗ 2026-10-22

lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg ↗ 2026-10-22