Common name: Golden spadefish

General information

The Longfin Batfish, Platax boersii, is a striking species known for its large, round body and long, flowing fins. It is a member of the Ephippidae family and is often admired for its unique shape and peaceful demeanor. In the wild, these fish are found in schools, often around shipwrecks and reefs where they feed on algae and small invertebrates.

Care

Longfin Batfish are considered moderate to care for due to their size and dietary requirements. They can grow quite large, reaching up to 50 cm in length, and require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room. A varied diet of meaty foods, such as shrimp and squid, along with marine algae, will help maintain their health. It's important to note that they may nibble on soft and stony corals, so they are best kept in fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLR) setups.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, breeding Longfin Batfish is quite challenging and rarely occurs. In the wild, they are pelagic spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. The larvae are planktonic and go through several stages before settling down and transforming into juveniles.

Habitat

Longfin Batfish are typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, and north to the Ryukyu Islands. They inhabit a variety of marine environments, including lagoons, coastal reefs, and open waters, usually at depths of 5 to 30 meters.