Redface Batfish

[Marinedisc]

Just bought a 3 inch redface and found out that they are difficult to keep in capativity for long. Can resist the temptation as its rare to find such a small specimen. Anyone manage to make them eat and how long they survive in your tank?

[RAV-65]

Bro, ever tried using a beta box?

[Golden Tooth]

Wow... Where did u get this guy?

[Marinedisc]

Got it from SL.

What's the beta box for? If its able to grow bigger, I'll transfer it to my 3ft spare tank. Currently it's in a 2ft.

[Terryz_]

Should be betta box... It is used to caged the fish up to train it to eat frozen before releasing into the main tank but it does not always work... This guy is really nice and cute... I tot batfishes are not reef safe...

[Golden Tooth]

This guy is nice but not when it grows. Very difficult to get it stable down after kanna ship in. Calm n large tank needed for this guy. Feeding? Can try chopped shrimps but goodluck in getting it to feed.

[RAV-65]

Would suggest th3 bigger 3 feet tank, more chances it will find a place where it comfortable and feel safe....

Anyway, can anyone confirm if its reef-safe???

Vincent Ho

[mingwen1611]

I have one too... eating very well... so far hasn't pecked on any corals or anything...

[Marinedisc]

I have one too... eating very well... so far hasn't pecked on any corals or anything...

How big is yours. Does it takes mysis right after you have it?

Mine still not interested in any food I feed including cyclopeeze.

Always see this guy nibbling on something on rocks and glass.

[desong]

Not often, but occasionally I find posts like this one slightly uneasy to read. My initial respond is that of anger - why won't hobbyists research before buying? But then after a few deep breath, I realised I too have been down this path before in the distant past. So before I preach, here's a few reasons why I don't think this fish is suitable for your aquarium:

1) Platax pinnatus, the Red-faced BAtfish, is a finicky feeder. Like the Anthias, it's used to feeding on life zooplanktons. Your best bet would be to start with live food then slowly wean onto other ready prepared fish food.

2) It can be very susceptible to white spot (Cryptocaryon irritans), so may require treatment with copper. As you know this is not possible in an invert system.

3) Perhaps the most important aspect of all, is the welfare issue. This cute little guy can grow up to nearly 2 feet in length, so your 3 feet tank will be grossly inadequate. If you are seriously interested in keeping this fish, the depth alone ought to be at least 2 feet deep.

4) Last but no least, the adult will loose the elongated finnage and is dull silver/grey.

Back to ranting... or may be not. I just wish more hobbyists would use the web to research first before buying, that's all. Just remember that the animals do not have a choice, we do. So we need to be more responsible.

Sorry, don't mean to offend.

Best of luck,

Des

[Guinness]

Gotta agree with Des there...... Check b4 u buy.

For those that have been diving are likely to have encountered batfishs. They grow to huge sizes. Also, the older they get, the deeper they go. So It is unlikely that it will be happy to be stuck in any home aquarium for long periods.

As to feeding, they will eat anything and are definately not reef safe.

Best of luck....