The red-lipped batfish Ogcocephalus darwini It belongs to the family Ogcocephalidae. This fish is endemic to the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands, Cocos Island, and Costa Rica. These are bottom dwellers that generally occupy depths in the 100 foot range.
The red-lipped batfish is definitely one of the strangest looking marine specimens. His body is highly compressed horizontally. Despite their name, these batfish bear only a vague resemblance to the animal form for which they are named. Obviously, this particular species has red lips.
This species has two distinctive evolutionary traits in common with another group of odd-looking bottom-dwelling fish known as anglerfish or frogfish. Both are poor swimmers and rely heavily on modified fin structures to walk on the ocean floor. Both have dorsal fins that have adapted to the spine as appendages on their heads that are used to lull prey to sleep. These unique creatures actually go fishing for their dinners. This is accomplished through the use of a plugin known as illicium. Illitia are a thin, rope-like extension that can be projected or cast in front of their bodies much like a fisherman casts his fishing line. They have a second evolutionary adaptation known as esca. The esca are thicker membranes at the tip of the ilicium that have the same function as placing a lure on the end of a fishing line. Unlike frogfish, batfish have an elongated snout that protrudes above their fishing appendages and serves to protect them from damage. The coloration of these two fish, although nothing similar, serves as a natural means of camouflage to aid them in the capture of prey. This batfish is brown with spikes on the upper body and blends in quite well with the ocean floor.
Due to their predatory nature, batfish are not considered good community tank dwellers. They are actually quite docile by nature. These are relatively small fish. They only grow to 3.5-5 inches as adults. If you want to get one, make sure your tankmates aren’t small enough to be lured in and eaten. These fish inhabit deeper water in their natural environment. They will need a low light aquarium.
This is a carnivorous creature. In the wild, their diet consists mainly of small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Live food may be required to help them better acclimate to a captive environment. Since this species is rarely kept in home aquariums, it is not known to breed in captivity.