Help feed a batfish!

[rort]

I have had a Pinnatus Batfish in my tank for around 2 days now and he wont eat. I know it is usually for fish to acclimate to a new tank. But I am just concerned and want to take the proper steps to make sure he eventually starts eating.

I am feeding the tank frozen, vitamin enhanced Dried, and Flake.

I would have assumed he would go after the Frozen but nothing yet...

Would anyone out there recommend me use garlic?

 

[lendz]

IME, that kind of batfish is hard to keep and it wont eat aquarium food.

You should have got the orbiculate batfish. But will grow very big.

 

[rort]

He was eating in the LFS when I purchased him! So I know he does!!

I believe that aquarium food isn't really a specific type. There are many things aquarist feed their tanks.

I am asking for suggestions on feeding methods, not on what type of fish I should have bought. But thank you for the concern... LendZ

I have been wanting this fish for a long. Finnaly got suitable tank for it and have kept params pristine for sometime now.

All comments about feeding methods and what to feed would be greatly appreciated!

 

[lendz]

Oh I'm sorry for my reply bro. But I said it was in my Experience. And I made some research on the pinnatus. If he was eating on the LFS then there should be any problem. He will eat in time. I was just suggesting not telling you to buy an orbiculate batfish, since it's more hardy and is both nice RORT.

Just wait bro. 2 days isnt too long. Some fish does not eat for a week upon introduction. Try giving him small live shrimps.

Anyway, goodluck.

 

[LisaD]

It's a beautiful fish, unfortunately, I have never kept one. I don't know if you have seen the comments on wetwebmedia, not very encouraging...

Platax pinnatus (Linnaeus 11758), the Pinnatus, Red-Stripe or Shaded or Dusky Batfish proves almost impossible to keep alive, generally refusing all food. This species is secretive in the wild, found hiding in wrecks and other dark spots, and should be left there. In my estimation, less than one hundredth of pinnatus bats live more than a month in captivity. I can hear it now; "Oh Bob, I know of a guy who kept a pinnatus for years, in low specific gravity, feeding it banana chips...". There are very few of these success stories, I'll warrant.

I don't know anyone that has maintained this fish long-term. Perhaps try frozen cyclop-eez, live mysis shrimp, live gammarus? Maybe enriched adult brine shrimp if you don't have any other live. I'd keep the tank dark, remove any but the most passive tankmates, keep water quality high. Good luck!

 

[techigirl78]

What was the fish eating at the LFS? That would be where I would start. Also, what were its tankmates and environment at the LFS? Trying to duplicate may provide some success.

Have you tried adding garlic to the food?

 

[agreeive?fish]

I would use the same exact foods he was eating at the lfs thats what i did with my morish ldol and he ate the 1st attempt at feeding...other than that the only batfish experience i have is my orbic... is he being harrased.. i know my tangs went bonkers on my orbic so much i had to move him and my batfish seems to like the lower light levels so much that i only run an antic light on 1/2 the tank and no light on the other 1/2 and he spends most of his time in the transition area from low light to no light zone

 

[rort]

First, Yes he was eating at the Local Fish store. He was eating frozen, exact stuff I have been feeding him. He was alone in a smaller tank at the LFS as they were trying to keep feeding him without competition.

I knew purchasing him he was a very hard fish to keep, but I feel I am up to the challenge.

He did run away and hide yesturday when I finally got my new lights hooked up. I didnt find that out about the lighting situation for them so thank you for that!

My tank is completely passive with no one really going after each other at all!

Thanks for all the advice!

 

[agreeive?fish]

you might try some new born feeder guppies or some newborn mollies

 

[turbois300]

Beautiful fish!!! I would try the garlic gaurd additive. Is that tank newly set up? the rocks look brand new. are your params like the store tank? it may be shock or stress from moving and it may start to eat in a few days.......if not??? I think these guys are like Morish Idols .......better left at sea.. With only 6 months in the hobby as your sig says you may want to take it a bit slower on the more difficult fish to keep. More for the fish sake than yours. Good luck!!

 

[rort]

From what I have been looking into and, from what I have been told here I might be taking this guy back and going with an orbic batfish.

(wether I want to hear it or not! lol thank you Lendz)

I love how gorgeous he is but I want him to be able to thrive and I don't think that is going to happen in my tank.

I agree turbois, that they should be left at sea, and I know that by me purchasing him I am perpetuating the capture of their species...

Was just acting on an impulse in the LFS... :-(

 

[agreeive?fish]

also i just noticed your tank size of 150g... these fish get 22 to 24 inches high. mine is currently about the size of an 11" dinner plate and he was the size of a 6 inch saucer when i got him right at 3 months ago( thank you bush and the tax stimulas check)

 

[LisaD]

due to size considerations, you may want to reconsider getting any batfish. I love batfish too, but I don't feel I have a big enough tank for any batfish, even the hardier species. my biggest tank is a 210.

there are some really nice, hardy fish that would do fine in your tank for life. if you let us know the types of fish you like, we could help you with suggestions for long-lived fish that are the right size for your tank.

 

[rort]

due to MANY considerations I have returned the batfish to the LFS it was purchased at.

I have planned this tank out for a long time and have taken many different types of fish into consideration. I have to say I acted on impulse rather than using my head in purchasing this fish.

Thank you all for the help and guidance! Hopefully the Pinnatus can find a better home more suitable for a fish that demands the care that it does!

 

[lendz]

That's great to hear. I just hope that the majority of LFS' won't sell fish that are hard to keep and is better left in the sea.

 

[rort]

me too... I guess I got ahead of myself in this one!

Thanks again for everyone's advice

LisaD... what fish would you recommend? Always looking for more interesting fish to add! (maybe this time I will steer clear of the expert ones? lol)

 

[lendz]

Go for a nice lionfish or an anglerfish since they wont have any competition for food in your tank. Plus, it's unique and pretty!

 

[LisaD]

You have a lot of choices with a 150 gallon tank. Anglers are most suitable for a species only tank - they generally don't do well with tankmates. Most smaller to medium species can be kept in a 30 or 55. I also don't consider them beginner fish.

Lions can be kept with fish that won't fit in their mouths and fish that won't pick at them (avoid triggerfish, possibly puffers).

 

[lendz]

Lisa, I suggested him to go for an angler or a lionfish because I thought that it would be the only fish for his tank. But I realized that 150 gallon and an angler would be boring. So I would go for a lion if I have a 150.

 

[LisaD]

I agree, a lion is a good choice for a 150. It could be kept with a moderate sized eel as well, such as a snowflake or maybe a zebra moray.