Saltwater Aquarium Batfish such as the Pinnatus Batfish are a marine fish that can easily be the centerpiece of a marine aquarium. Batfish are quite personable-almost pet like, and they are remarkably clever. While certainly not for the beginner, there are a few that are appropriate for the intermediate aquarist looking for an unusual and engaging animal. Saltwater Batfish come from the Family Ephippidae, which is made up of the Spade, the Bats and Scats. Members of this family are indigenous to the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific sea, and they are found in both saltwater and (very occasionally) brackish water. They are characterized by an anal fin with 3 spines and a very deep body that is compressed laterally. Not considered reef-compatible, the largest obstacles to success is the inability to meet their dietary needs. For a long time it was thought that Batfish mostly have a carnivorous diet, feeding on plankton and invertebrates, however a recent discovery found that Batfish like the Pinnatus Batfish are impressive algae eaters.