Batfish Species

Batfish

Batfish are a unique group of fishes containing only five species, all within the genus Platax. Batfish are prized in aquariums for their showy size and personalities. Being such large fish, they are frequently found on display at public aquariums where they are often kept in groups.

The Orbic Batfish (Platax orbicularis) is one of the most commonly sold species of batfish. Other common species include Pinnate Batfish (Platax pinnatus), Sterbai Cory Cat (Corydoras sterbai), and the Teira Batfish (Platax teira).

Biology

Batfishes have a large natural range, being found throughout the entire Indo Pacific. They are relatively large, disc shaped fishes with muted coloration. Most individuals are hues of silver, brown or black as adults with yellow on some of the fins. The largest batfish reach approximately 28” (70cm), though several species stay in the 12” (30cm) range.

Captive Care

Batfish can make great aquarium inhabitants, provided their husbandry needs such as diet, water quality and tank space are met. Because they are such large fish with pelagic behaviors, batfish are suitable for only the largest aquariums. Even a relatively large home aquarium can become too small for a moderately sized adult batfish in a short time.

One of the most interesting aspects of batfish is the stark difference in appearance between the juveniles and adults. Juvenile batfish such as the Pinnate Batfish (Platax pinnatus) display extremely attractive coloring, presenting with a jet black body edged entirely with velvety orange fin margins. As the fish mature, they lose this patterning in favor of the silver body of the adult stage.

It is important to consider carefully the decision to purchase a batfish. While they are cute and unassuming as juveniles, thy require expert care and can reach large sizes necessitating a very large tank.

Suggested Piscine Energetics Products

We suggest a diet based on Piscine Energetics Mysis, Piscine Energetics Calanus, Piscine Energetics Pellets (1mm and 2mm) and Piscine Energetics Saltwater Flakes.

 

Recommended Products

What People Say

After feeding my seahorses your mysis for about 3 months; they are fat and happy!!! they give me baby seahorses (at least 300 ) each 14 days... So I'm very satisfied of your mysis.The frozen mysis is about 70 per cent of their diet.

Yvan Charbonneau Quebec

I am keeping these Indian mudskippers -- very cute -- about 3-4 inches long. I've been feeding them frozen bloodworm, and decided to try them on mysis. I feed them in a "shallows" in the 150 I have set up for them. The minute the mysis hit the water they were on it, frozen and all. They gorged until their little bellies were almost bursting. I have yet to see an aquatic creature that does not go absolutely nuts over PE Mysis.

David Lass Massachusetts