Orbicular batfish (Platax orbicularis)

Scientific name: Platax orbicularis Forssk?l, 1775

The Orbicular batfish (Platax orbicularis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ephippidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–28°C (72–82°F).

Orbicular batfish care at a glance

Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 34-39; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 25 - 29. The ocular band of adult specimens with a series of dark vermiculations. Adults (above 20 cm) yellowish silvery or dusky, dark bar through eye and another bar just behind head. Occasionally with a few small, scattered black spots on body. Median fins yellowish, with black margins posteriorly. Pelvic fins black. Small juveniles reddish brown, with irregular black spots and blotches and small, white (black-edged) ocelli on body. Small black spot at base of last 3 dorsal- and anal-fin rays. Caudal fin transparent except for base, which is reddish brown. Body orbicular and strongly compressed, its depth more than twice length of head and 0.9 to 1.4 times SL. Head length 3.4 to 3.8 times SL. Snout profile of large adults (above 40 cm total length) concave, with bony swelling between eyes. Interorbital width 38 to 48% head length. Jaws with bands

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Platax orbicularis
Family: Ephippidae (Spadefishes, batfishes and scats)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 50.0
Common length: 60.0
Depth range: 5–30 m (16–98 ft)
Environment: Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 5 - 30 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to the Tuamoto Islands, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Recorded off the coast of Florida in the Western Central Atlantic.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)