Platax orbicularis - T.B.

Platax orbicularis, commonly known as the Orbicular batfish, is a large batfish, which is only suitable for the largest home tanks and zoo's. As juveniles they've extremely elongate vertical fins and are reddish brown, a bit resembling a dead leaf. And this is also how they avoid predators, lying on their side, rocking back and forward by the current, hoping a predator thinks it's just a leaf. As adults they're more rouded and silvery with dark broad vertical bands.

In nature juveniles live close to the mangrove forests, but adults are usually seen in singly, in small groups or occcasionally in a large group in deeper water. Often associated with large sandy areas and shipwrecks. Due to their large adult size a group would only be suitable for a public tank. A few things to think about before purchasing a batfish are that wild caught fish can be hard to wean to food and might be susceptible to ich. Once adapted to captivity they usually pose no problems anymore.They can eat small fish and shrimps however, so make sure to pick their tankmates with care. Corals are generally left alone but some might haress anemones. 

This fish is Tank Bred and will adapt to your aquarium easier compared to a wild caught specimen!