Orbiculate Batfish feedback needed.

[hotelbravo]

I have the opportunity to get a beautiful Orbiculate Batfish for my FISH ONLY 180 gallon. It is still a very small juvenile. It is eating very well and is active. Through reading different sources on this fish i have found that my 180 gallon may be a tad under the 200 gallon requirement that a few of the sources listed. however some sources listed 150-180 as the minimum. I would really like to know if i could get by with him in my 180 atleast for a little while.
I also read that they are very peaceful and should be the first fish introduced which is perfect because since my tank crash i have nothing in there but two small clowns and two peaceful eels.
I read that they will nip at anemones but i am wondering if i had a strong pair of clowns would they deter him from nipping at the anemone or would he do it regardless.
I read that in the wild they grow over 20 inches but in captivity they are rare close to that size.


Would you all who have knowledge about this fish please provide feedback on your experience or your knowledge and also provide feedback confirming or challenging any of the information i found on my own?

 

[OrionN]

The baby coloration and fins size make him an attractive juvenile fish. However, he really grow fast and adult coloration and fin size is not anywhere near as nice. Huge also, over 1.5 foot. I had one back in the 1980 for my FO. I would pass on another one at this time.

 

[Joke]

They just dont seem to look right in aquariums of that size, i would not put one in an aquarium smaller than 300g and they do better in groups.

 

[hotelbravo]

well how fast are we talking when we say they grow large quick?

 

[OrionN]

1 inch long, 3 inches vertical will be 4 inches long and 4 inches vertical in about 8-10 months if I remember correctly. This was in the early 80's so my memory is not as clear. I was just a naive young aquarist then, not cynical like I am now. They eat a lot, Will eat any fish they can swallow.

 

[pinnatus]

You can literally see them grow from day to day. The fastest growing fish I have ever seen.

Also one of the coolest fish. Very attentive to everything that goes on. Just like a puppy dog.

It will maybe outgrow your tank in 6 months.

 

[hotelbravo]

Well I have not decided to buy this yet you are starting to deter me from the idea. The fish is basically free so its pretty enticing and I have been approved the bring the fish back when i feel its gotten too large and acts uncomfortable. Do you guys think it will eat two clarkii clowns?? they will be the smallest fish in the tank.

 

[OrionN]

It won't eat your clown, unless it is really small clowns. Guppies and the like. I used to feed my Lion fish live food back then, the Batfish got some too. He eat a lot. Look at the adult picture at least. Batfish change a lot from juvenile to adult. The fins are much much shorter, color become muted. IMO, not a pretty fish. The size really keep me from keeping them.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Minh is correct. The adult color is rather unattractive. IIRC, they turn a really dark mottled gray all over.

 

[pinnatus]

The juveniles look just like a leaf. Also not very "pretty". Then they get a striped appearance, and look pretty neat. Then they become adults, again pretty bland looking. But they have a great personality. (Sounds like I am fixing you up on a blind date lol)

Baby:

In between:

Adult:

 

[hotelbravo]

well the batfish died yesterday at the lfs anyway.

 

[OrionN]

In between

adult