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 are saying about PE:
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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
I picked up my Mysis today and they arrived wonderfully. All the fish I fed them to, absolutely devoured them. They are my Frontosas new favorite food. All my Discus ate them up eagerly...heads and all!! I want to thank you again for your excellent service and product.
Pierre Brenton Nova Scotia
I have a large saltwater aquarium (220 gallons) with very expensive fishes and invertebrates. I tried to feed them with your PE Mysis and they really went crazy about it. Since that time, some of my fishes refuse any other product I offer them!