flying fox
(A)
flying fox fish
a kind of fish – fresh water fish – small with streamlined body with dark brown colour on the back, and yellow white on the lower side, and a brownish black line running from its mouth to the back of the body; grows to 4-6 inches in length; feeds on (eats) algae and other plant matter, and worms found in the water; lives for 8-10 years in fish tanks; fund in the rivers and streams of Indonesia and Thailand of southern Asia
The flying fox (fish) is a popular pet.
When these fish grow old they stop eating and start fighting with other fish, including their own kind!
(B)
(also called ‘fruit bat’)
a flying fox (a bat)
a kind of animal – mammal – belongs to the bats – small with a fox like face, large eyes and small ears; brown coat (hair); grows to 8-12 inches long, with a wingspan (when wings are spread in full) about 4-5 feet, and weighs 700 grams to 1½ Kg. (the smallest kind only 17 grams); feeds on (eats) only fruit, flowers and nectar (not insects); lives for about 10-15 years; about 60 species (kinds) found in tropics and sub-tropics of Asia, Australia, islands of East Africa (not the mainland Africa), and some islands of Indian and Pacific oceans
a fox-like face
Flying foxes or fruit bats are the largest species of bats.
A flying fox is given the name ‘fox’, for, with its long muzzle (mouth and nose part) and the brown coat (hair), its head looks like that of a fox.
Flying foxes fly without using the ‘echolocation’ system which is common in other insect eating bats because they eat only fruit and flowers and so depend more on the smell.
a flying fox taking a dip in water
Flying foxes swim very well using their ‘wing’ as paddles!
In some part of Asia, flying foxes or fruit bats are eaten by people; some people believe that eating the meat of these bats cures ‘asthma’!
On the other hand, the ‘Indian flying fox’ is considered sacred by some village people in India!!
(flying fox — a sport)
flying fox (Australian and New Zealand usage) = a platform or large box hung from a cable above moved by electric power used for transporting people across a small valley or gorge
About the Author:BC Kumar
BC Kumar, an English Language Teacher, taught in numerous countries including Ethiopia, Oman and India, shares his knowledge and passion for the English Language. Disclaimer: This is a free educational website and all content has been compiled by the author. All copyrights to images and videos belong to their respective owners.
