The strange-looking Batfish were in quarantine for almost a year before being carefully released into the large Coral Seas exhibit to join hundreds of other colourful tropical fish in a simulated coral reef.

Still finding their way around their new home, the Batfish can be found lurking in the depths at the front of the tank.

Aquarium Senior Aquarist Ben Eynon said everyone was anxious when they were released into their new home.

"We were not entirely sure how they would react, but one by one and very timidly, they entered the large exhibit tank." he said.  

The National Marine Aquarium

"All the other fish scattered immediately, but then came back for an inquisitive look.

"The introduction went well and we look forward to them now settling in."

In the wild, Batfish sometimes play 'dead' when alarmed and the youngsters float motionless on their sides, mimicking dead leaves that have fallen into the water.

The Batfish were acquired and brought to the Aquarium in March 2005 as very small elongate juveniles and have now grown to rather disc-like shaped fish.

Aquarium Communications Manager, Melanie Cowie compared the young fish to small coins; "They were approximately the size of a 2p piece," she said, "with a round body of reddish brown and large round fins – they look very similar to a mangrove leaf." 

In the wild, the adults would then move out from the mangroves and head for the open waters over sandy areas of deep lagoons, channels, and seaward reefs to a depth of at least 30m.

"It has taken the team of aquarists nearly a year to get them to the stage when they can be put on-show," said Ben Eynon.

"As Batfish are very susceptible to a condition called White Spot we had to ensure they were 100% fit and healthy before being released into the Coral Seas.

"We are very excited about them finally being released and hope that our visitors enjoy them as much as we do."