Platax orbicularis
From TRT Marine Species Wiki
(diff) ←Older revision | Current revision | Newer revision→ (diff)
| 
|
|
| |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Actinopterygii |
| Family | Ephippidae |
| Common names | Batfish, orbital Batfish |
| Reef safe | not recommended * see below |
| Temperament | docile |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Size | up to 16 inches |
| Care Level | intermediate to expert |
Of the three different types of Batfish, the Orbiculate Batfish (Batfish) is one of the most commonly seen in the market place.Batfishes Need to housed in Large tanks minimum of 200 gallons (U.S.) The Batfish is a hardy type fish but is prone to Ich and trapping air bubbles in it's body( usually going to one or both eyes).while you will find Batfishes in the local pet store about the size of a silver dollar, they grow very fast and will out grow most tanks they are housed in within a year. See also Platex Pinnatus,Platax Teira
Contents |
Appearance
As the batfish grows older the change in color and body happens.the body becomes more Disc shaped as it ages You will find a few color variations sold when you by a young batfish. The size most often is found is about 2 inches. Once they start to eat it does not take long before they grow very fast.
Care and feeding requirements
Large open area tank is need for this fish!. Batfish love to eat a mix of food items, feeding on dry seaweed ( nori) and meaty product. they will accept just about any type of food. Because of the size of the Batfish they need to be fed at least 2 - 3 times a day. WARNING Batfish are known to eat various inverts, including feather dusters, mushrooms( ricordia), corals and anemones!! Batfish ARE NOT recommended for reef type tanks. another reason Why Batfish should be considered Intermediate to expert care level.THe young Batfish many not eat right away. Various foods need to tried . But once they start eating they usually do not stop.
Distribution and habitats
Indo-Pacific, found around reef areas and Sargassum alga rafts ( Platax pinnatus), Red Sea and East Africa to the Tuamotu Islands, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia.
References
Thereeftank.com
Reef fishes Vol. 1. by Micheal,Scott W. TFH publicaations 2001
