Platax orbicularis (Orbicular bat fish)

The orbicularis platax is a tropical fish native to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It is a fish from the Ephippidae family, known as parrot fish. It is characterized by its rounded shape and its sleeping pool in the shape of a fan.

The orbicularis platax has a silver gray color with black spots on the body. Its dorsal fin is generally blue, bordered by black, and its pectoral and pelvic fins are white. Its adult size can reach about 30 centimeters long, although most individuals do not exceed 20 centimeters.

The orbicularis platax is a lonely and gregarious fish that lives in small groups in the shallow waters of coral reefs. It feeds mainly on small crustaceans and molluscs which it captures using its mouth in the shape of a beak. The Platax Orbicularis is a territorial fish which can become aggressive towards other fish if they approach its territory.

The Platax Orbicularis is a popular aquarophilia fish, due to its beautiful color and its unusual rounded shape. However, it can be difficult to keep in captivity because of its specific food needs and its territorial behavior. It is important to keep it in an aquarium large enough to allow it to swim freely and provide it with a diet adapted to its needs.