ExpertPeacefulReef Safe with CautionIUCN: Least Concern
Pinnate Batfish
Platax pinnatus
Family: Ephippidae · Batfish
Also known as: Dusky Batfish, Shaded Batfish, Red-Faced Batfish
(c) Massimiliano Finzi, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Max Size
18"
Min Tank
200 gal
Lifespan
10-15 years
Origin
Western Pacific, Indo-Pacific
Diet
Omnivore
Swims
Middle
Did You Know?
- Juvenile Pinnate Batfish mimic toxic flatworms with their dark body and bright orange outline, deterring predators
- They have been observed acting as 'cleaner fish' on some reefs, eating parasites off larger fish
- In the wild, juveniles are often found hiding among floating debris and mangrove roots
About
The Pinnate Batfish is widely considered one of the most beautiful marine fish as a juvenile, featuring a jet-black body with a brilliant orange-red outline tracing its entire silhouette. This striking coloration mimics toxic flatworms, providing protection from predators. Unfortunately, this gorgeous juvenile coloration fades to a silvery-gray as the fish matures.
This species is notoriously challenging to keep in captivity, particularly when acquired as wild-caught juveniles that often refuse to eat. They are extremely sensitive to water quality, prone to ich and other parasites, and can be difficult to acclimate. However, specimens that successfully acclimate become hardy, personable fish with dog-like personalities.
Pinnate Batfish grow very large — up to 18 inches in height with their elongated dorsal and anal fins — and require tanks of 200+ gallons. They are generally peaceful and do well with other large, non-aggressive fish. While often sold as reef-safe, they may pick at soft corals and sessile invertebrates as they mature.
Feeding & Diet
Omnivore
Omnivores that feed on algae, small invertebrates, and planktonic organisms. Getting newly acquired specimens to eat is the biggest challenge. Start with live brine shrimp or small live feeder shrimp, then transition to frozen mysis, brine shrimp, marine algae, and eventually pellets. Feed 3+ times daily for juveniles.
Compatibility
gentle-giantsensitiveexpert-onlypeaceful
Pinnate Batfish are gentle giants that are easily bullied by aggressive tankmates. They do best with other large, peaceful fish such as tangs, large angelfish, and rabbitfish. Avoid housing with aggressive species that will stress this sensitive fish. Their slow feeding style means they may be outcompeted at mealtimes.
Check CompatibilityBreeding
Not bred in captivity
Pinnate Batfish have not been successfully bred in captivity. They are pelagic spawners in the wild, releasing eggs into the open water column. Juveniles are sometimes found in sheltered mangrove areas and estuaries.
Special Requirements
- Extremely difficult to acclimate — many refuse food and starve
- Requires pristine water quality — very sensitive to ammonia and nitrite
- Very large tank needed (200+ gallons) due to adult size and tall body shape
- Prone to ich and parasitic infections — quarantine is essential
- May pick at soft corals and clam mantles as they mature
Water Parameters
Temperature74–80°F
Specific Gravity1.022–1.025 sg
pH8.1–8.4
Alkalinity8–12 dKH
Coloration
black (juvenile)orange-red outline (juvenile)silver-gray (adult)
Tags
gentle-giantsensitiveexpert-onlypeaceful
