Orbiculate Batfish

Tropical reef fish

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Identity card

Orbiculate Batfish

Scientific name:: Platax orbicularis

Family:: Ephippidae

Class:: Actinopterygii

Phylum:: Chordata

Year of description:: Forsskål, 1775

IUCN Status:: Least Concern

Distribution:: Red Sea, Indian and Pacific Oceans, French Polynesia (Tuamotu Archipelago), southern Japan, Australia and New Caledonia.

Habitat:: Coral reefs, lagoons, at depths of between 5 and 35 metres.

Size:: It measures 50 cm on average but can reach 60 cm. This species is oviparous.

Diet:: Algae, invertebrates and small fish.

The orbiculate batfish at NAUSICAA are "photobombers" that make their way into the photos of visitor

...even if they are not the centre of attention!

Did you know?

150,000 is the number of eggs that females release per egg laying. Orbiculate batfish feed on algae, invertebrates and small fish. This species is oviparous.

Where is the animal to be found?

Orbiculate batfish usually live in pairs in coral reefs, lagoons, near ledges, at depths between 5 and 35 metres. They can be found in groups in open water. Juveniles live in sheltered areas of mangroves and lagoons, at shallow depths (less than 20 metres).

How can it be recognised?

The orbiculate batfish takes its name from its morphology as it grows: it first grows in length with large fins. Then it grows in width.
This fish can be identified by its flattened silvery body and its two vertical black stripes. It measures 50 cm on average, but can reach 60 cm.

What is distinctive about it?

To protect themselves from predators, juvenile orbiculate batfish mimic dead leaves and plant debris by floating on the surface, lying on their sides.