Pancake Batfish

Pancake Batfish (Halieutichthys aculeatus) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe as it poses no threat to corals or most invertebrates, though it may consume small crustaceans, worms, and mollusks that venture within range of its ambush zone. This extraordinary species displays an extremely flattened, pancake-like body with intricate mottled brown and tan patterns, rough tuberculated skin, and a wide mouth that creates one of the most unusual silhouettes in the marine trade as it lies motionless on sandy substrates. The cryptic coloration and bizarre flattened appearance make it virtually invisible when buried in sand or resting among debris. It can reach about 4 inches in adult size. Best kept in tanks of at least 30 gallons or more with a deep, fine sand substrate for burrowing, gentle water flow, stable water parameters, subdued lighting, and patience as this nocturnal species spends most daylight hours buried with only its eyes exposed. Its diet should include a mix of live or frozen meaty foods—small fish, ghost shrimp, bloodworms, chopped seafood, small crabs—presented directly near its position, as this sedentary ambush predator requires target feeding and may be extremely slow to accept new foods during acclimation.

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.