Who Gives A Fish Forums

Considering the growth rate of a Platax orbicularis, I'd say it's only a matter of time before my 3 inch Orbiculate Batfish outgrows its current 55 gallon home. I'm thinking a few years, maybe less, depending on various factors such as diet, water quality, and tank conditions. That's why I'm planning ahead and making arrangements for a 115 gallon upgrade - it'll be a better fit for my growing fish.

To be honest, a 115 gallon tank won't be sufficient for the long-term needs of your Orbiculate Batfish. Considering the species' growth rate, I'd recommend a minimum tank size of 180 gallons. As for the 55 gallon tank, it's likely to be outgrown in a relatively short period, probably within 3-6 months.

I'd like to offer a differing opinion, based on the expertise of Bob Fenner from wetwebmedia.com, a highly reputable aquarium website. He suggests a single specimen can thrive in a 55-gallon show tank as a minimum, which leads me to believe a 110-gallon tank with at least 2 feet of height should be more than sufficient. If the fish outgrows the tank, rehoming or euthanization would be the next steps.

That being said, I still think a larger tank would be ideal, allowing for a variety of tankmates. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but I'd recommend considering a bigger tank for the sake of a more diverse aquarium.

I highly doubt the credibility of that website, I mean, Orbiculate Batfish can grow up to 1 ft 10 inches, it's just common sense that a 55 gallon tank would be way too small for it to even move around comfortably. Every other reputable source I've come across recommends a minimum tank size of 180 gallons for this species.

I'd like to ask kkkyylle, what sources are you referencing, as there seem to be some discrepancies with your views and others. Wet Web, in particular, is a highly respected website, so I'm curious to know what's backing up the conflicting opinions.

Are you kidding me? You think it's cool to just get rid of a fish if it outgrows its tank? That's not a solution, that's just irresponsible. I'm seriously disappointed in that attitude.

I dug up some sources to support the 180 gallon minimum for an Orbiculate Batfish. Check these out:

Peteducation.com says they can grow up to 18 inches. Liveaquaria.com suggests a minimum tank size of 180 gallons. Petsolutions.com agrees, stating they require a lot of space. Aquariumdomain.com also recommends a large tank, and Aquariumaid.com says they need plenty of room to swim.

I completely agree with you, it's disgusting to consider euthanizing a fish just because it outgrows its tank.

ravelo wrote: ↑Fri Jul 11, 2025 6:50 pm Are you kidding me? You think it's cool to just get rid of a fish if it outgrows its tank? That's not a solution, that's just irresponsible. I'm seriously disappointed in that attitude.

Your reaction is quite dramatic, don't you think? I'm not suggesting we take pleasure in euthanizing a fish that's outgrown its tank. However, if all rehoming efforts have failed and the fish is struggling in its current environment, a peaceful death via anesthetic is a more humane option than allowing it to languish. It's not about being callous; it's about considering the fish's welfare.

So you're criticizing my suggestion, but what's the alternative - letting the fish suffer in a tank it's outgrown? I'd rather see it humanely euthanized with anesthesia if rehoming isn't an option. It's hypocritical to call me out when you're the one advocating for keeping fish that are bound to outgrow their tanks.

If you can't provide the space, don't buy the fish - it's that simple.

I'm not one to blindly follow recommendations, but when it comes to Bob Fenner, I think it's safe to say the man knows his stuff. With years of experience under his belt, he's had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of species, and if he's recommending a 55-gallon tank for a Platax orbicularis, I'm inclined to trust his judgment.

It's also worth noting that not every fish will reach its maximum potential size in captivity. There's always a degree of variability, and for a slow-moving species like the Orbiculate Batfish, a 55-gallon tank may be more than sufficient. I'd say it's unfair to assume that every individual will grow to the same size, and it's not like we're talking about a high-energy fish that needs a lot of space to swim.

As for advice, I think it's best to leave the discussions to those of us who have a bit more experience and knowledge on the subject. It's not about being condescending, but rather about providing accurate and helpful information.