Redface Batfish

Aquarium Requirements

Minimum Tank Size: 1000 litres (260 US gallons) or larger

Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)

pH: 8.1–8.4

Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.020–1.025

Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm

Nitrate:< 10 ppm

Aquascape:
Provide a very large tank with open swimming areas and minimal sharp decorations to prevent injury. Juveniles require hiding spaces such as overhangs or caves during acclimation. Moderate water flow and excellent filtration are essential to maintain water quality and oxygenation.

Diet and Feeding

The Redface Batfish is omnivorous, with a diet in the wild consisting of small invertebrates, algae, and plankton.

Recommended Foods:

• High-quality frozen or prepared omnivore diets

• Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood (shrimp, squid, clam)

• Spirulina- or algae-based flakes or pellets

• Occasional live feeder organisms to encourage natural hunting behavior

Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions. Juveniles are particularly sensitive and may require careful acclimation to prepared foods. A varied diet is essential to support growth, coloration, and overall health.

Temperament and Compatibility

The Redface Batfish is generally peaceful and social, often thriving in groups or pairs in very large aquariums.

Suitable Tankmates:

• Peaceful, non-aggressive species such as tangs, wrasses, and other large marine fish

• Other batfish species in large aquariums

Avoid:

• Small, delicate fish that may be harassed

• Aggressive, territorial species

Juveniles are shy and may spend extended periods near cover, gradually becoming more confident with time.

Reef Compatibility

⚠️ Not considered reef safe

The Redface Batfish may nip at sessile invertebrates or corals, and it is best housed in fish-only or fish-plus-invertebrate systems. It is generally not recommended for heavily stocked reef aquariums.

Additional Information

Maximum Size: 40–45 cm (16–18 inches)

Lifespan: 15–20 years with proper care

Difficulty Level: Advanced

Natural Behavior: Peaceful, mid- to upper-water swimmer; juvenile shy, adults more confident and social

Origin: Indo-Pacific – Indonesia, Philippines, northern Australia

Coloration: Dark body with bright red facial markings, long flowing fins

Summary

The Redface Batfish (Platax pinnatus) is a rare and visually striking marine species suitable for experienced aquarists with very large aquariums. Juveniles require ample hiding spaces, pristine water conditions, and a varied omnivorous diet. With proper care, they mature into graceful, colorful adults that can live 15–20 years, but they are not reef safe and should be housed in fish-only or species-focused systems.