Humpback Batfish

Humpback Batfish (Platax batavianus) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution as juveniles may occasionally nip at soft corals and zoanthids, while adults are generally well-behaved around most invertebrates. This impressive species displays a tall, disc-shaped silver body with subtle golden hues and distinctive dark vertical banding that becomes more subdued with age, plus dramatically elongated dorsal and anal fins that create a majestic, sweeping silhouette. The prominent forehead hump that develops in mature specimens gives this species its common name and distinguishes it from other batfish species. It can reach about 20 inches in adult size. Best kept in tanks of at least 180 gallons or more due to their substantial size and active swimming nature, with plenty of open water column space, moderate to strong water flow, stable water parameters, and consideration for their need to swim freely in large, open areas. Its diet should include a mix of live or frozen meaty foods—mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped fish, marine worms—as well as high-quality marine pellets and vegetable matter, as this omnivorous species thrives on varied nutrition including marine algae and spirulina-enriched foods.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.