Batfish – Pinnatus

Pinnatus Batfish Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size: 120 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 75cm (2′ 6”)

Diet: Omnivore

Temperament: Peaceful

Lifespan: Up to 12 years

Scientific Name: Platax Pinnatus

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes with caution

Approx. Purchase Size: 2-3 inches

The pinnatus batfish, scientific name Platax Pinnatus, is a peaceful fish. This fish has a minimum tank size of 120 gallons. They have a maximum size of 2’ 6” but they will not reach that size in captivity. Batfish grow slowly and will take years to grow to their full captivity size. The pinnatus batfish can live up to 12 years. Pinnatus batfish are omnivores, they should be feed small pieces of frozen shrimp like mysis or brine and should also be supplemented with algae sheets. Once they get larger, they can be fed larger pieces of meaty foods. These fish have been known to eat from their owners’ hands. The pinnatus batfish can be kept singly, in pairs or in a small school. They can be kept with other batfish as long as there is adequate space. Batfish are not reef safe, once they continue to grow larger, they will often eat smaller fish, small inverts, corals, and anemones present in the tank. This fish is recommended to be kept in a FOWRL system with large peaceful tank mates. Batfish will sleep in the open water or underneath large rock structures. The pinnatus batfish is often seen floating still in the water in the open areas of the tanks, hiding around rocks, and swimming around the tank.