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(platax orbicularis)
Saltwater
Native to the Indo-Pacific Ocean and the Red Sea, this fish is appropriately named. It has a round, reddish-brown body and rounded, elongated, similarly colored dorsal fins outlined in black. The two features alone give this fish a "batty" look. The caudal fin is tipped in green. Not allowing fish that nip in the same tank as a batfish is important, as these "nippers" target the elongated dorsal fins. While delicate, it is an easy fish to care for.
Size sm. 1 1/2"-2 1/2"; med. 2 1/2"-4"; lg. 4"-6"; can get as large as 22."
No. in Tank: More than one is OK, as long as the aquarium has enough room for both to swim unobstructed.
Tank: min. 180 gallon.
Temperament: Peaceful
Food: (Carnivore) Needs a varied diet including frozen carnivore preparations, scallops, mysid shrimp, marine fish, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp and crustacean flesh. Feed 3 times a day.
Light: High
Adaptation: This fish adapts easily to aquarium life. It needs plenty of hiding places, a moderate current and lots of unobstructed room in which to swim.
Compatibility: Not good in a reef aquarium; better to keep with peaceful tank-mates who are not "fin-nippers," such as triggers and puffers.
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