The batfishes commonly available to the marine aquarist present something of an enigma owing to their curious inclination for flying into a panic at the slightest provocation when in unfamiliar surroundings. Once acclimatised, however, they have few equals; they have undemanding tastes, extreme resistance to all diseases, a high rate of growth and aquarium longevity. This applies wholly to Platax orbicularis, slightly less so to Platax teira, and slightly less still to the beautiful Platax pinnatus. P. orbicularis may even be regarded as a beginner’s fish for those lucky enough to afford to begin their hobby with large tanks, but P. teira is best not purchased until one has at least six months experience, whereas P. pinnatus should not be purchased by anyone unless they can afford to house two, three or more of these beautiful creatures on their own in an 80 gallon (360 litre) or larger aquarium.

The batfish P. orbicularis will take any kind of fresh protein and at various times I have owned adaptable individuals who, when really hungry, would even take dried food. Specimens of P. teira will, however, only accept fresh meat such as prawn, Mysis, etc., whilst P. pinnatus usually commences feeding on small live earthworms or live Mysis.

The batfishes soon learn to detect the vibrations and, later, the visual stimuli of the owner’s approach to the aquarium. Even before the cover is raised, the hungry fishes will often cavort at the surface of the water in eager anticipation of the titbits to come.