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Spotted batfish (Ogcocephalus pantostictus) — Ogcocephalidae

Spotted batfish

Ogcocephalus pantostictus
LC · Least Concern

The Spotted batfish (Ogcocephalus pantostictus) is a saltwater fish of the family Ogcocephalidae that grows up to 31 cm.

Length
31 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
9.0–31.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The spotted batfish is a batfish (Ogcocephalidae) from the western Atlantic Ocean. The species has a flattened, knob-covered body, a forward-projecting snout and arm-like pectoral and pelvic fins with which it 'walks' over the bottom rather than swimming. Under a hood on the snout it bears a small lure. It inhabits flat sand and mud bottoms of coastal and estuarine waters. On the bottom it feeds on small invertebrates and small fishes. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spotted batfish?

The Spotted batfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Spotted batfish live?

The Spotted batfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Spotted batfish get?

The Spotted batfish grows to a maximum of about 31 cm.

Is the Spotted batfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Spotted batfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Spotted batfish edible?

The Spotted batfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bespikkelde vleermuisvis sourced
English name
Spotted batfish verified
Scientific name
Ogcocephalus pantostictus
Family
Ogcocephalidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
9.0 verified
Max depth (m)
31.0 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
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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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