All fish / Cyprinidae

Black Lancer Flying Fox

Crossocheilus nigriloba

Also known as black lancer, black lancer flying fox, black-lobed flying fox, crossocheilus nigriloba

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A slim, active algae grazer with a dark stripe running along its brownish body and dark tips to the tail lobes. It resembles the Siamese algae eater but is less often seen in the trade, and keepers buy it for its algae grazing and lively behaviour in well-oxygenated, flowing tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Singly or in a group of 5 or more; small groups squabble

Diet

Omnivore: algae and biofilm, sinking pellets and wafers, blanched vegetables, small frozen foods such as bloodworm

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

6 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Mekong and Chao Phraya basins (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia)

Breeding

It is an egg-scattering river fish that is not known to breed in home aquariums; trade specimens are wild-caught or farmed using hormones.

Good to know

It is easily confused with the Siamese algae eater (Crossocheilus langei/oblongus) and with the Siamese flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus), and fish are often sold under the wrong name. It can become territorial with its own kind and similar-looking bottom dwellers, and it may jump, so keep a tight-fitting lid on the tank.