Batfish

Batfish

Belonging to the Family Ephippididae, Batfish is a popular fish for Aquariums owing to its prominently large body. Fresh Marine, one of the best online markets for aquarium products, offers several interesting species of Batfish. However, prior to moving on to them, let us have a fundamental idea about the key features of Batfish.

Compatibility: Batfish are peaceful and are generally compatible with the other tank mates though, they are not very good in Reef Tanks. It is better to keep Batfish in a tank having peaceful inmates.

Habit & Habitat. Batfish exist in Tropical & Subtropical Oceans in all parts of the world, and inhabit Coral Reefs, Wrecks, and other dark areas. Depending upon the age, Batfish may stay alone or in small groups. Baby Batfish live in Inshore Waters with Mangroves. They float on water like a floating leaf.

Morphology. Batfish are moderately hardy creatures. Initially, Batfish have a distinctly elongated Dorsal and Anal Fins. With age however, the triangular fins reduce in size and the laterally compressed body grows longer to a spade like shape. Batfish usually attain a size of up to 15” in an aquarium, while they grow up to 20” in their natural habitat. Though very beautifully colored when young, these Batfish acquire a faded hue as they rapidly grow to an adult.

Ideal Marine Aquarium Environment. Batfish grow well in an aquarium with very high water quality. Keep a temperature range of 72-78°F; the Specific Gravity of 1.020-1.025; and the pH level of water within 8.1-8.4. Batfish grow rapidly and they do so in an aquarium as well. Therefore, introduce them into large enough an aquarium, a minimum of 180 Gallons, at the first go itself.

Aquarium Feeding. Batfish is though Omnivorous, but prefers to feed upon Shrimp, Scallops, Brine Shrimp, Worms, Anemones, Hydroids, Corals, Crustaceans, and frozen Herbivores. Feeding them at least thrice a day siginificantly benefits them.

Aquarium Breeding. Batfish do not have distinguishing sexual features and therefore, it is hard to differentiate between male and female Batfish. In addition, owing to their large size, their aquarium breeding is very difficult.

Care. Batfish is moderately difficult to maintain, as they are highly vulnerable to Ich.

Let us now look the couple of Batfish options available at Fresh Marine.

Orbicularis Batfish (Platax orbicularis). Also known as Round Batfish, Orbic Platax, and the Orbic Batfish, this Batfish is frequent near Asia Pacific. Orbicularis has a round, Reddish Brown colored body, and large round Fins. With an ability to grow up to good 22 inches, Batfish are better suited for 180 Gallons tanks so that they can swim around well in it. A disc shaped, thin body, the Batfish has a fan shaped Tail, which is taller than its length.

Pinnatus Batfish (Platax pinnatus). Also known as Red Faced Batfish, and Pinnate Batfish, this Batfish is capable of growing up to a length of 3 feet. The Batfish is dark Brown in color with bright Orange stripes bordering its entire body. Pinnatus sports a narrow vertical band at the back of its Eye, while a wider band is marked behind its Pectoral Fin. These bands turn periodically translucent. In addition, the injured Fins of these Batfish do not regrow and stay ragged at the edge. Very finicky feeder, this Batfish requires exceptionally high water quality all the time and is therefore, best suited in a species aquarium under an expert’s guidance only.

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