Fin's Fish Guide
The Batfish (Platax teira) is a saltwater fish of the family Ephippidae that grows up to 70 cm.
Indo-Pacific; sheltered bays and deeper offshore water, often near wrecks.
Description
The teira batfish is a reef fish of the batfish family (Ephippidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 70 cm and has a deep, nearly round, strongly laterally compressed, silvery body with very tall dorsal and anal fins; juveniles have extremely elongated fins. Large adults live in sheltered bays and in deeper offshore water, often in small groups around shipwrecks and floating objects. As an omnivore it feeds on algae, invertebrates, jellyfishes and zooplankton. The teira batfish is a common reef dweller and harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Batfish?
The Batfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Tall dorsal and anal fins (extremely elongated in juveniles); often lives near wrecks and floating objects.
Where does the Batfish live?
The Batfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; sheltered bays and deeper offshore water, often near wrecks.
How big does the Batfish get?
The Batfish grows to a maximum of about 70 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.
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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.