Fin's Fish Guide
The Pancake batfish (Halieutichthys aculeatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Ogcocephalidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, on sand and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
Description
The pancake batfish is a strongly dorsally flattened, almost disc-shaped bottom fish of the family Ogcocephalidae (batfishes) reaching about 10 cm. The brown-spotted, broad body has muscular, leg-like pectoral and pelvic fins with which the fish 'walks' jerkily over the seabed rather than swimming. It is related to the anglerfishes and has a small lure above the mouth, but uses it less conspicuously. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf in the western Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. On the bottom it searches for small crustaceans, worms and small fish. Because of its camouflage and slow, walking movement it is barely noticeable.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pancake batfish?
The Pancake batfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Strongly flattened, disc-shaped little bottom-dweller with leg-like pectoral fins with which it 'walks' over the sea floor; related to the anglerfishes.
Where does the Pancake batfish live?
The Pancake batfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, on sand and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the Pancake batfish get?
The Pancake batfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Pancake batfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Pancake batfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pancake batfish edible?
The Pancake batfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Pancake batfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pancake batfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Ogcocephalidae
Want the complete picture on the Pancake batfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pancake batfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.