Common name: Pinnate batfish

General information

The Pinnate Batfish, Platax pinnatus, is a striking and unique species known for its deep black body, vibrant orange outline, and elongated dorsal and anal fins. Juveniles exhibit a more pronounced round shape and brighter coloration, which makes them highly sought after in the aquarium trade. As they mature, their body shape becomes more angular and their coloration more subdued.

Care

Pinnate Batfish require a large aquarium with plenty of open swimming space and stable water conditions. They are not recommended for beginners due to their sensitivity to water quality and their large adult size. A varied diet of meaty foods, such as shrimp, squid, and marine fish flesh, is essential for their health.

Reproduction

In the wild, Pinnate Batfish form large schools and spawn in open water. The eggs are pelagic, drifting with the currents until hatching. Breeding them in captivity is challenging and rarely successful due to the difficulty in mimicking their natural spawning conditions.

Habitat

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Pinnate Batfish are found in a variety of marine environments, from mangrove estuaries to reef slopes. Juveniles often inhabit shallower areas with protective cover, while adults can be found at depths up to several tens of meters.

Geographical distribution includes areas from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Indo-Australian Archipelago, north to southern Japan, and south to New Caledonia.