PLATACIDAE Batfish
The batfish body is highly compressed, and deep. Young batfish have long dorsal and anal fins which shorten as the batfish grows into an adult.
Round Batfish Platax orbicularis
Grey to black dorsally, rounded and laterally compressed. Darker greyish-black vertical bands through head and pectorals, with third band more diffuse. Large extended soft dorsal and anal fins especially in young forms. On coral reefs and offshore structures. Grazes on sea weed. Inquisitive and friendly towards scuba divers, often in large groups. Occasionally seen on shallower reefs accessible to snorkellers. 50 cm.
Long-finned Batfish Platax teira
Deep-bodied, compressed, silvery with three broad vertical bars through eye, pectoral fins and across dorsal and anal fins. Often seen in shoals adjacent to reefs and offshore structures. 30 cm.