Batfish tend to live on or near coral reefs, forming larger schools to travel across open ocean. They are usually swimming well above the bottom often in pairs or small groups. Juveniles are often solitary, seen sheltering in the reef to avoid predators.It is thought that Platax Batfish spawn in the open ocean. Juveniles are pelagic until they reach about 20mm in length, when the juveniles of some species settle on reefs or in lagoons. Batfish feed on algae or plankton, depending on the species.