Teira Batfish
(Platax teira)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 2′
Color Form: Black, Tan, White, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Ephippididae

Also known as the Longfin Batfish, Longfin Platax, and Round-faced Batfish, the body and fins have wide vertical alternate bands of black and a pale yellow or tan.

A relatively easy Batfish to keep, the Teira Batfish can grow to an impressive size of 24 inches, measuring from the tip of the dorsal to the tip of the anal fin. Not a good reef dweller, it will eat many types of sessile invertebrates including corals and anemones. The Teira needs a minimum of a 180 gallon tank with plenty of unobstructed room to swim. As with all Batfish, the Teira is susceptible to ich.

A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, scallops, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp and frozen herbivore preparations is recommended, and it is best to feed it three times a day. This species of Batfish can become very tame, sometimes feeding from its owner’s fingers.

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Orbiculate Batfish
(Platax orbicularis)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 1′ 10″
Color Form: Red, Tan, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Indo-Pacific, South Asia, Tahiti
Family: Ephippididae

The Orbiculate Batfish is also called the Round Batfish, Orbic Platax and the Orbic Batfish. A round body of reddish brown and large round fins contribute to this fish’s commanding presence. It can potentially grow to an adult size of 22 inches, measuring from the tip of the dorsal to the tip of the anal fin.

It is peaceful and hardy when provided with a deep tank of at least 180 gallons and plenty of unobstructed room to swim. Not a good reef dweller, it will eat many types of sessile invertebrates including corals and anemones. As with all Batfish, the Orbiculate is susceptible to ich.

When first introduced into the aquarium, live saltwater feeder shrimp should be used to entice this fish to eat. A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, scallops, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and frozen herbivore preparations will help the Orbiculate to thrive, especially when fed three times a day.

Shop for Orbiculate Batfish at LiveAquaria.com