Orbicular Batfish (Platax orbicularis)
Fish in the family Ephippidae. Moderate care. Not Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
Orbicular batfish are laterally compressed, disc-shaped fish with silver-gray coloration that darkens dorsally. Juveniles are banded with brown or black bars, while adults become more uniformly gray with yellow-orange tinges on the fins. The dorsal and anal fins are high and sail-like.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, offer a varied diet of quality flake foods, small crustaceans, mysis shrimp, and meaty preparations. Include some vegetable matter and spirulina. Feed 2–3 times daily for juveniles; reduce to once daily for adults. They are eager feeders but may require conditioning to accept prepared foods initially.
Difficulty and care for the Orbicular Batfish
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin Rot, Swim Bladder Disease, Velvet, Hole-in-the-Head
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to Hawaii, including coastal reefs and estuaries throughout Southeast Asia and Australia.
Log Orbicular Batfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Orbicular Batfish alongside everything else in your reef.
