Expert Only

Pinnatus Batfish

Platax pinnatus


(2 Reviews)

The Pinnatus Batfish, Platax pinnatus, will display a dramatic change in appearance while in different stages of life. As a juvenile it displays a dark brown/black colored body outlined in vivid orange while as an adult the dark black color begins to fade. They are hardy fish that are very peaceful and can be kept singly, or in larger tanks as a pair, or a small school and should also be kept with other larger peaceful fish.

They are not reef safe however since they will consume smaller fish, invertebrates, corals and anemones present in the tank. Diet should include a variety of live feeder marine fish and feeder shrimp and frozen chopped meaty preparations like crab, krill, squid, and shrimp 2-3 times daily.

Expert Only: Items designated as expert only require special care such as a species specific environment, special diet or care, and an expert level, experienced aquarist. Not for beginners. Expert Only items qualify for our live arrival guarantee only, and are exempt from our extended 8 day guarantee.

Pinnatus Batfish

Expert Only

Pinnatus Batfish

Platax pinnatus


(2 Reviews)

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With $179.00 or more in Marine Life.
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Care Facts

Size: 1.5-2.5 inches
Care Level: Expert
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Indo Pacific
Acclimation Time: 3+ Hours
Reef Safe: No
Coral Safe: No
Invertebrate Safe: No
Minimum Tank Size: 150+ Gallons
The Pinnatus Batfish, Platax pinnatus, will display a dramatic change in appearance while in different stages of life. As a juvenile it displays a dark brown/black colored body outlined in vivid orange while as an adult the dark black color begins to fade. They are hardy fish that are very peaceful and can be kept singly, or in larger tanks as a pair, or a small school and should also be kept with other larger peaceful fish.

They are not reef safe however since they will consume smaller fish, invertebrates, corals and anemones present in the tank. Diet should include a variety of live feeder marine fish and feeder shrimp and frozen chopped meaty preparations like crab, krill, squid, and shrimp 2-3 times daily.

Expert Only: Items designated as expert only require special care such as a species specific environment, special diet or care, and an expert level, experienced aquarist. Not for beginners. Expert Only items qualify for our live arrival guarantee only, and are exempt from our extended 8 day guarantee.

This is the one fish I have wanted since I was a kid. Saltwater fish went above and beyond to help me get a gorgeous healthy fish. It's growing great, from 1" to over 4" in a few months. eating great and has the best personality. Always ready to eat


Reviewed by: Tami on March 25, 2020

I really picked a nice fish from saltwaterfish store. It ate reef mix food on day one. Now the batfish wiggles to the front of the tank when it sees me come thru the door. Feed it 2 times a day a reef mix It is slow moving so don't have excessive current flow. YouTube has a few videos of this strange critter Does not pick at coral And does not bother other fish


Reviewed by: Critter Dundee on Sept. 4, 2016

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