what is this for a beautiful fish...?

[solpete]

 

[Oxylebius]

Batfish (Platax pinnatus)

 

[whippetguy]

Fish for an expert aquarist

 

[Oxylebius]

More Info:
Minimum Tank Size: 300 gallons
Care Level: Expert Only
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1' 6"
Color Form: Black, Brown, Orange
Diet: Omnivore
Family: Ephippididae

 

[solpete]

My jaw dropped TWICE when I saw it in the store.....

 

[solpete]

I have a three feet tall tank...

 

[DianaKay]

I just hope the LFS that you saw it in won't sell it to anyone who doesn't meet it's required living conditions.
That's sadly not the usual circumstance tho.

 

[puffermike]

They've always reminded me of halloween. Super neat but so expensive.

 

[DaveK]

Fantastic looking fish, but most end up dead from improper keeping. Leave a pinnatus in the LFS or better still in the ocean.

If you got to have a batfish consider the other species orbicularis or teira. They are much easier to care for , but they need almost as big a tank.