Fin's Fish Guide
The Batfish (Platax pinnatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Ephippidae that grows up to 45 cm.
Description
The pinnate batfish is a batfish (Ephippidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 45 cm and has a deep, strongly laterally compressed, disc-shaped body; striking are the juveniles, which are jet black with a bright orange margin around the whole body, presumably mimicking a toxic flatworm. Adults are usually solitary and live under overhangs of steep outer reef slopes to at least 20 m deep, while juveniles occur in mangroves and sheltered inner reefs. It feeds on algae, invertebrates and plankton. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Batfish?
The Batfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Juveniles jet black with a bright orange margin, probably mimicking a poisonous flatworm.
Where does the Batfish live?
The Batfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; steep outer reef slopes and mangroves.
How big does the Batfish get?
The Batfish grows to a maximum of about 45 cm.
Is the Batfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Batfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Batfish edible?
The Batfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Platax
More from the family Ephippidae
Want the complete picture on the Batfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Batfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.