Batfishes

These fishes belong in the "Order Perciformes" and "Suborder Acanthuroidei" where they are members of the "Family Ephippidae"(Spadefishes & Batfishes). These members are shy, retiring, and mouthbrooders.

These high finned fishes need lots of space, especially in height. Juveniles are found in coastal waters near and in mangrove/brackish waters and are much more attractive than adults. Adults are found in coastal lagoons. A small four-inch tall specimen can out grow a 75 gallon aquarium in one year! Their diet consists of plankton, algae, small fishes, jellyfish, worms, and other small invertebrate. Slow moving with large fin areas, therefore do not include with fin nippers in the aquarium. Even though P. pinnatus appears in the trade frequently, it's probably better left in nature as very few survive for any appreciable time in captivity.