Common name: pancake batfish

General information

The Batfish, scientifically known as Halieutichthys aculeatus, is a unique and fascinating species that captures the attention of many aquarists. This species is not a true batfish from the Ephippidae family, but rather belongs to the Ogcocephalidae family, which is a group of anglerfish. One of the most striking features of the Batfish is its flattened body and rough, bumpy skin that often resembles the texture of a toad's. They are adept at camouflage, with a mottled appearance that allows them to blend seamlessly with the sandy or muddy substrates of their natural habitats.

Care

Caring for a Batfish in a home aquarium requires a spacious tank with a soft substrate to mimic their natural environment. They are demersal fish, meaning they spend most of their time on the bottom. It's important to provide a diet that includes a variety of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and clams. They can be shy feeders initially, so patience and careful observation are necessary to ensure they are eating well.

Reproduction

Reproduction of the Batfish in captivity is not well-documented, and breeding them in home aquariums is considered quite challenging. In the wild, they have a unique reproductive strategy where females release eggs into the water column, which are then fertilized by the males. The eggs are pelagic, drifting with the currents until they hatch.

Habitat

Halieutichthys aculeatus is found in the Western Atlantic, from North Carolina to the Gulf of Mexico and down to Brazil. They inhabit soft-bottomed areas, often burying themselves in sand or mud at depths ranging from shallow waters to several hundred meters deep. Their ability to remain hidden makes them a rare sight, even in their natural range.