Common name

 

Red-face batfish, Long-finned batfish

Scientific name

 

Platax pinnatus

Family

 

Ephippidae

Distribution   Western Pacific: Ryukyu Islands to Australia

 

This fish looks very similar to a bat (mammal) and hence is commonly known as Bat Fish. It has a rounded compressed body, a protruding snout, prominent lips, and symmetrical dorsal and anal fins. Red-face Bat fish are darkish brown with bright orange pin striping outlining its entire body. They have a narrow vertical band behind the eye and a wider band behind the pectoral fin, both of which become periodically translucent. They are slow swimmers and mostly occupy top water zone. Grows to a length of 45 cm. They are extremely difficult fish to keep in aquarium and should only be kept by experts. A great community fish, but must be kept away from any nippers such as angels due to their lengthy fins. Bat fish relishes chopped shrimp and crab meat. Squid, frozen blood worms, live and frozen brine shrimp are also accepted. There is no information on captive breeding of this fish.

 

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