Common name: Humpback batfish

General information

The Humpback Batfish, Platax batavianus, is a distinctive and attractive species known for its high, laterally compressed body and long dorsal and anal fins. Juveniles exhibit striking black and white bands which fade as they mature into a more uniform silver-gray coloration with adults sometimes retaining faint stripes. This species is not as commonly kept as its relative, the Platax teira, but it can be a fascinating addition to larger marine aquariums.

Care

Humpback Batfish require spacious tanks due to their potential size and active swimming behavior. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial with their own kind. A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and marine fish flesh is essential for their health. They are also known to eat algae and should be provided with a well-rounded diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

Reproduction

In the wild, Platax batavianus forms large schools during the breeding season and spawns in open water. The eggs are pelagic, drifting with the currents until hatching. Breeding in captivity is rare and challenging, requiring large volumes of water and specialized care for the larval batfish.

Habitat

Humpback Batfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, and north to southern Japan. They inhabit a variety of marine environments, including lagoons, coral reefs, and mangrove areas, typically in depths ranging from shallow waters to about 50 meters.