Click to unmute

The Pinnatus Batfish is one of the most remarkable species of saltwater fish, but notoriously difficult to keep as an aquarium fish. Most wild-caught saltwater tropical fish reject commercial foods and die from starvation, despite plenty of feed available in the tank. If that’s not enough, these colorful fishes require plenty of water (a single Firebird needs 180-300 gallons), perfect salinity levels, temperature, crystal clean environment, and pH levels.

The Platax fish types originate from the Indo Pacific ocean region, where sea animals live in sunlit waters of around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Their diet consists of smaller fishes, invertebrates, corals, and anemones, so if kept in an aquarium, they have to be supplied with shrimp and crustacean flesh along with seaweed and algae. These fishes sport their amazing colors only when juvenile – adult Batfish are silvery with almost neon yellow outlines. But even after changing their appearance, they’re mesmerizing to watch.

If people would like to own these gorgeous sea creatures as an aquarium fish, they should only buy captive-bred ones and have sufficient knowledge of keeping fishes of such types.