Redface Batfish
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Redface Batfish (Platax pinnatus)
Overview
The Redface Batfish (Platax pinnatus) is a striking marine species notable for its dark body and bright orange-red facial markings. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, it inhabits coastal reefs, lagoons, and sheltered rocky areas, often among mangroves and sunken structures.
This species is highly sought after in the aquarium trade due to its unique appearance and graceful swimming behavior, but it is challenging to maintain, requiring large aquariums, pristine water quality, and a varied diet.
Aquarium Requirements
Minimum Tank Size: 1000 litres (260 US gallons) or larger
Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.020–1.025
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: < 10 ppm
Aquascape:
Provide a very large tank with open swimming areas and minimal sharp decorations to prevent injury. Juveniles require hiding spaces such as overhangs or caves during acclimation. Moderate water flow and excellent filtration are essential to maintain water quality and oxygenation.
Diet and Feeding
The Redface Batfish is omnivorous, with a diet in the wild consisting of small invertebrates, algae, and plankton.
Recommended Foods:
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High-quality frozen or prepared omnivore diets
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Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood (shrimp, squid, clam)
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Spirulina- or algae-based flakes or pellets
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Occasional live feeder organisms to encourage natural hunting behavior
Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions. Juveniles are particularly sensitive and may require careful acclimation to prepared foods. A varied diet is essential to support growth, coloration, and overall health.
Temperament and Compatibility
The Redface Batfish is generally peaceful and social, often thriving in groups or pairs in very large aquariums.
Suitable Tankmates:
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Peaceful, non-aggressive species such as tangs, wrasses, and other large marine fish
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Other batfish species in large aquariums
Avoid:
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Small, delicate fish that may be harassed
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Aggressive, territorial species
Juveniles are shy and may spend extended periods near cover, gradually becoming more confident with time.
Reef Compatibility
⚠️ Not considered reef safe
The Redface Batfish may nip at sessile invertebrates or corals, and it is best housed in fish-only or fish-plus-invertebrate systems. It is generally not recommended for heavily stocked reef aquariums.
Additional Information
Maximum Size: 40–45 cm (16–18 inches)
Lifespan: 15–20 years with proper care
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Natural Behavior: Peaceful, mid- to upper-water swimmer; juvenile shy, adults more confident and social
Origin: Indo-Pacific – Indonesia, Philippines, northern Australia
Coloration: Dark body with bright red facial markings, long flowing fins
Summary
The Redface Batfish (Platax pinnatus) is a rare and visually striking marine species suitable for experienced aquarists with very large aquariums. Juveniles require ample hiding spaces, pristine water conditions, and a varied omnivorous diet. With proper care, they mature into graceful, colorful adults that can live 15–20 years, but they are not reef safe and should be housed in fish-only or species-focused systems.
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