Orbiculate batfish (Platax orbicularis) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Orbicular batfish, Round batfish, Circular batfish, Cooper batfish, Narrow-banded batfish, Orbic batfish
Family
Ephippidae (spadefishes and batfishes)
Origin
Indo-Pacific, from East Africa and the Red Sea to Micronesia, southern Japan and northern Australia; sheltered coasts, mangroves and reefs.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
50 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.020–1.025
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
no

Care

Tank: This fish outgrows home aquaria and is only suitable for public-aquarium-sized systems; no home tank size is given. Small juveniles are sold, but batfish grow fast and very tall as well as long, and need a deep, open swimming space. Water: the sources give no species-specific figures, so the values here are general marine aquarium guidance: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and specific gravity 1.020–1.025. Keep nitrate low and the water well oxygenated. Behaviour: adults live alone or in groups. Juveniles hide among mangroves and floating debris, where they look like dead leaves. Identification: juveniles are brown with random dark markings like a rotting leaf; adults become rounder and silvery with dark bars. The list gives 50 cm; the article gives up to 60 cm. Trade: juveniles are popular, mostly from Indonesia and the Philippines. It has been recorded off Florida, probably from aquarium releases, so never release unwanted fish. Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plataxorbicularis). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Omnivore eating algae, small fish and invertebrates. Offer a varied mix of meaty foods and marine algae or greens.

Breeding

Lays eggs that float in open water; females mature at about 32 cm. Farmed for food in French Polynesia but not bred in home aquaria.

Compatibility and tank mates

Not reef safe: it will eat invertebrates and may nip corals. Peaceful with other large, calm fish; avoid fin-nippers.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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