Orbic Batfish
Platax orbicularis

 

Identification:  Its coloration is mottled brown overall with a vertical black stripe running through the eye and another vertical stripe running on the front part of the body. These stripes tend to fade with age. This species also has a clear tail. 

Maximum Length: Growing to a length of approximately 20 inches.

Origin: Indo-Pacific

Minimum tank size:  200 Gal.

Behavior:  Generally peaceful and more than one can be kept per tank. This species does make a good aquarium species although more boisterous tank mates may pick at the flowing finnage of this fish. 

Feeding and diet:  Platax orbicularis is easier to keep than other Batfish such as P. pinnatus. 
Feed P. orbicularis a mixture of lettuce, spinach, algae and some morsels of fish. Young fish need a lot of food. Some live food may have to be tried first to get them to eat but they will eventually usually start eating and growing rapidly "vertically", soon requiring a relatively deep tank.

Reef Compatibility:   This species makes a good marine reef aquarium fish since it will generally leave invertebrates alone. Keep in mind however, this species will grow fairly tall thus a deep aquarium is necessary as the fish grows in sizeCautions:  Do not keep with potential fin nippers such as puffers.

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