Family
Common name: Batfish
Scientific name: Ogcocephalidae
The Ogcocephalidae family, commonly known as batfish, includes unique, bottom-dwelling marine fish that are often prized in the aquarium trade for their unusual shape and behavior. These fish have adapted to a benthic lifestyle, with pectoral fins that resemble limbs, allowing them to 'walk' along the substrate. They are generally peaceful but can grow quite large, making them suitable for spacious tanks with plenty of open sand area. Batfish are not reef-safe as they may nibble on corals and sessile invertebrates. They require a varied diet including meaty foods and are known for their slow, deliberate movements.
