Batfish - Ephippidae

Batfish - Ephippidae

Batfish are a small family of seven genera the only one found in shallow water is Platax, five species of large round silvery fish.

They are a favourite with divers because of their curious nature, individuals regularly approach divers closely even following them.

They are either solitary, in pairs or a group, sometimes seen in special friendship with a turtle. Juveniles are often boomerang shaped and some species have elaborate markings to mimic something else.

Batfish identification

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Did You Know?
The latest research suggests that the Shaded Batfish (Platax pinnatus) plays a very important role in keeping the reef free of algae, eating far more algae on reefs damaged by over fishing than traditional algae-eaters such as parrotfish and surgeonfish.

Family variety

Most Platax Batfish are relatively similar as adults, but they can vary greatly as juveniles, with each species having its own unique method of camouflage. Due to their shape, they are sometimes referred to as Spadefish.

Behaviour

Batfish can be found in groups near open sea locations, often round shipwrecks and buoy lines. Some species are more regularly spotted solitarily or in pairs.

Some Batfish swim on their sides in strong current while others are known to turtles. Juveniles are often shy, sheltering under overhangs and in caves.

Reproduction

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.

Diet

Batfish feed on algae or plankton, depending on the species.

Defences

Adults form large tight schools for defence in open ocean. These schools give the appearance of one very large individual, scaring away most potential predators. Juveniles use mimicry as their defence, either camouflage to blend in to their surrounds or mimicking a poisonous or inedible creature.
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FACTFILE


speciesSPECIES:   5


sizeSIZE RANGE:   35-65 cm


distributionDISTRIBUTION:

Platax Batfish are found in all Asian tropical seas.


habitatHABITAT:

On or near coral reefs in pairs or small groups. Juveniles can be seen sheltering in the reef.


threatsTHREATS:

Fished heavily. Prized for sport fishing. Juveniles threatened by aquarium trade.

Identification tips

  • Rounded body with high dorsal and anal fins that get smaller with age in many species. Combination of round body and tall fins give the overall spade shape of these fish.

  • Short tail fin.

  • Silvery body with black and sometimes yellow markings.

  • Juvenile often boomerang shaped mimic leaves, sea grass, flatworms or crinoids.



Where to find

Koh Tao

Koh Tao (sometimes spelt Ko Tao) is Thailand's original island diving destination and now the most popular place in the country to learn to dive.

The diving on Koh Tao is known for its colourful reefs that are ideal for beginners, plus some deeper pinnacles with the chance of big fish encounters for more advanced divers.

There is a wide choice of dive centres to enjoy and plenty of accommodation options to choose from.

Rabaul

While there are many WWII wrecks dotted around PNG, the Rabaul area undoubtedly has the most.

Situated on the eastern tip of New Britain, Rabaul is a large natural harbour that was the main naval base of the Japanese during the war. The area is also a very active volcanic region, sitting between 3 active volcanoes.

Kavieng

Kavieng is a small, friendly town on the northern tip of New Ireland - a long thin island to the east of Papua New Guinea that separates the mighty Pacific Ocean from the Bismark Sea.

This tranquil retreat was the scene of intense fighting towards the end of the Second World War between the Japanese & Allied forces.

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