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Batfish (Ogcocephalus darwini) — Ogcocephalidae

Batfish

Ogcocephalus darwini
LC · Least Concern

The Batfish (Ogcocephalus darwini) is a saltwater fish of the family Ogcocephalidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20.3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
3.0–120.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The red-lipped batfish is a batfish (Ogcocephalidae) endemic to the Galapagos Islands. The species has a flattened, triangular body with conspicuous bright-red lips and a small fishing lure on the snout. Instead of swimming it 'walks' over the sandy bottom on its stout pectoral and pelvic fins. It is common below 10 m and is strikingly incautious. As a predator it feeds on small invertebrates and small fishes, which it attracts with the lure. 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 brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Batfish live?

The Batfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Batfish get?

The Batfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Batfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Batfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Batfish edible?

The Batfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Roodlip-vleermuisvis sourced
English name
Batfish verified
Scientific name
Ogcocephalus darwini
Family
Ogcocephalidae
Other names
Galápagos batfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.3 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
3.0 verified
Max depth (m)
120.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Ogcocephalus

More from the family Ogcocephalidae

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