Pinnate Batfish (Platax pinnatus) Care Guide
Platax pinnatus is a Western Pacific batfish whose black, orange-edged juveniles mimic a toxic flatworm; it is difficult to maintain in captivity.
Overview
Platax pinnatus, the pinnate or dusky batfish, is a marine fish of the family Ephippidae, first described as Chaetodon pinnatus by Linnaeus in 1758. Juveniles are mainly black with the body and median fins outlined in bright orange, a coloration that mimics a toxic flatworm. Adults have a round, strongly compressed body and become dull silver with short fins.
Taxonomy
- Family: Ephippidae
- Genus: Platax
- Scientific name: Platax pinnatus
- Originally described as Chaetodon pinnatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Habitat
The species occurs in the Western Pacific from the Ryukyu Islands south to Australia. Adults inhabit steep outer reef slopes at depths of about 15 to 30 m, while juveniles shelter in mangroves, caves and sheltered inner reefs. FishBase gives a temperature preference of about 25-29 °C.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 1500 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Adult size: 30-45 cm (FishBase reports up to 45 cm)
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
Diet
Platax pinnatus is an omnivore that consumes algae as well as jellyfish and other gelatinous zooplankton. Wikipedia notes the species is kept in aquaria but is difficult to maintain because of feeding challenges, so establishing it on prepared foods requires careful, frequent feeding.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, mid-water species suited only to very large systems. It is not reef-safe given its gelatinous and invertebrate diet. Compatible tankmates include tangs, large angels and other peaceful large fish; aggressive species and triggers should be avoided.
Breeding
The species is an egg-layer. Captive breeding is regarded as expert-level and is rarely achieved.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2023).