Pinnate batfish
The pinnate batfish is famous for its dramatic juvenile form: a jet-black, disc-shaped body edged in vivid orange that mimics a toxic flatworm. This coloration fades with age to a plain silvery adult that can reach 45 cm. It is one of the most demanding batfish, notorious for refusing food and wasting away in captivity, making it strictly a fish for experienced aquarists with very large systems. It needs a tall, spacious reef or fish-only aquarium of at least 1000 liters, pristine stable water at 24-28C, salinity 33-35 ppt, and peaceful tankmates. Coax feeding with live foods, then wean onto mysis, chopped seafood, and marine algae, offering several small meals daily. It may nip corals and sessile invertebrates, so it is not fully reef-safe. Gentle, curious, and easily bullied, it requires calm surroundings to thrive.
Water parameters
| Temperature | 24 – 28 °C |
|---|---|
| pH | 8.1 – 8.4 |
| Carbonate hardness (KH) | 8 – 12 °dKH |
| Salinity | 33 – 35 SG |
Tank & stocking
| Minimum tank volume | 1000 L |
|---|---|
| Volume budget per individual | 400 L — adds up with tank-mates |
“Minimum tank volume” is a reasonable floor, not an absolute limit. The per-individual budget is used by the Aqua app to estimate how heavily a tank is stocked.
Frequently asked questions
What size aquarium does Pinnate batfish need?
Provide at least 1000 litres to keep Pinnate batfish in good conditions.
What water parameters does Pinnate batfish need?
A temperature of 24–28 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, saltwater.
Is Pinnate batfish peaceful or aggressive?
Its temperament is peaceful.
What does Pinnate batfish eat?
Its diet: omnivore.
How big does Pinnate batfish get?
Around 45 cm as an adult.
Is Pinnate batfish suitable for beginners?
Care level: advanced.
Planning a tank with Pinnate batfish?
AquaTender turns these parameters into live advice: it checks whether your tank is big enough, how heavily it's stocked, and whether your fish are compatible — then tracks water tests, photos and maintenance for you.
Fish from the same biotope
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