Dusky Batfish

Platax pinnatus

Characteristicly protruding mouth.
Juveniles are black and have a luminous orange edge fringe all around. They are rather shy and usually stay in the protection of caves, crevices and overhangs. It is assumed that with their colouration, they imitate large, poisonous flatworms.

Size : 50 cm

Habitat : In deep lagoons and at outreefs, 2-35 m. In pairs or in schools. Often swims along steep slopes or in the open water of deeps lagoons and bays.

Distribution : Red Sea and East Africa to SW Japan, Micronesia, New Caledonia and French Polynesia.

Classification

KINGDOM

:

Animalia

PHYLUM

:

Chordata

CLASS

:

Actinopterygii

ORDER

:

Acanthuriformes

FAMILY

:

Ephippidae

GENUS

:

Platax

SPECIES

:

Platax pinnatus

Other Information

Population Status

Not Evaluated (NE)

PHOTO COLLECTION

Reference

  1. inaturalist.org
  2. Reef Fishes of the Indo-Pacific. Book by Matthias Bergbauer and Manuela Kirschner