Common name: Orbicular batfish
General information
The Orbicular Batfish, Platax orbicularis, is a visually striking species known for its round, laterally compressed body and distinctive dorsal and anal fins that give it a bat-like appearance. Juveniles exhibit a more pronounced circular shape and have bold black stripes that fade as they mature. This species is a popular choice among aquarists due to its unique shape and peaceful demeanor.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 750 liter (200 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 50 cm (1′8″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs large tank and varied diet
- Diet
- Omnivore Enjoys mysis, algae, squid
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May be aggressive to smaller fish
- Captive bred
- Yes Available as captive-bred
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilySpadefishesEphippidae
- GenusBatfishPlatax
- SpeciesOrbicular batfishPlatax orbicularis (Forsskål, 1775)
- SynonymsChaetodon orbicularis Forsskål, 1775Chaetodon vespertilio Bloch, 1787Platax blochii Cuvier, 1831Platax ehrenbergii Cuvier, 1831Platax guttulatuas Cuvier, 1831Platax guttulatus Cuvier, 1831Platax obricularis (Forsskål, 1775)Platax orbicularius (Forsskål, 1775)Platax vespertilio (Bloch, 1787)Platax vespertilio japonicus Temminck & Schlegel, 1844
Care
Orbicular Batfish require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room, as they can grow quite large, reaching up to 50 cm (20 inches) in length. They are not reef-safe, as they tend to nibble on corals and invertebrates. A varied diet of meaty foods, including shrimp, squid, and marine fish, supplemented with algae or vegetable-based foods, will help maintain their health.
Reproduction
In the wild, Orbicular Batfish form large schools and are pelagic spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column. In the home aquarium, breeding is rare, but if conditions are optimal, they may spawn. The larvae are planktonic and would require specialized care to raise.
Habitat
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Orbicular Batfish are found in a variety of marine environments, from mangrove estuaries to outer reef slopes. They are often seen in shallow waters during their juvenile stage, seeking refuge among mangroves or other structures, and move to deeper waters as they mature.