Orbiculate Batfish Platax orbicularis

Orbiculate Batfish Platax orbicularis

• Scientific Name: Platax orbicularis
• Collection Type: Wild Collected
• Scientific Family: Ephippidae
• Geographic Range: Indo-Pacific Ocean including the Red Sea, East Africa, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan, northern Australia, and surrounding tropical reef regions
• Feeding Classification: Omnivore that naturally consumes algae, smaller crustaceans, zooplankton, and marine-based food sources
• Temperature Recommendation: 75–82°F
• Aquarium Water Chemistry: pH 8.1–8.4
• Carbonate Hardness Guidance: 8–12 dKH
• Adult Growth Potential: Can approach 20 inches under long-term care conditions
• Environmental Habitat: Coastal reefs, estuaries, mangrove zones, lagoons, and sheltered marine environments
• Body Structure: Rounded disc-shaped body profile with elongated dorsal and anal fin development
• Juvenile Appearance: Younger fish often display darker coloration and body markings that shift noticeably during maturity
• Aquarium Space Consideration: Appreciates aquariums with substantial swimming area due to eventual adult size
• Taxonomic Classification: Marine batfish species belonging to the Ephippidae family