Teira Batfish (Platax teira) Care Guide
Platax teira is a large Indo-West Pacific batfish whose juveniles have greatly elongated fins; adults form schools around reefs and wrecks.
Overview
Platax teira, the teira or longfin batfish, is a large marine fish of the family Ephippidae. Adults are disk-shaped and silvery to brownish with a dark blotch under the pectoral fin. Larger juveniles have highly elongated pelvic fins and front dorsal and anal rays, while the smallest juveniles are brownish and resemble floating leaves.
Taxonomy
- Family: Ephippidae
- Genus: Platax
- Scientific name: Platax teira
Habitat
The species ranges across the Indo-West Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to Papua New Guinea, north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to Australia. Juveniles occupy shallow protected inner reefs and shelter among floating seaweed and debris, while adults inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs at depths of about 3 to 25 m, often around shipwrecks.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 2000 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Adult size: 45-70 cm (FishBase reports up to 70 cm)
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
Diet
Platax teira is an omnivore (FishBase trophic level 4.0). According to Wikipedia it consumes plankton, sessile and small invertebrates, and marine algae. In captivity it accepts a varied diet of meaty and vegetable-based marine foods offered about twice daily.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, mid-water species suited only to very large systems. It is not reef-safe given its varied 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 2018).