Species encyclopedia

Pinnate batfish

Platax pinnatus

Biology

The adults tend to be solitary and can be found under the overhangs of a reef’s outer slopes, up to depths of about 20 m.

However, they can also be spotted in groups above the ocean floor.

The young gather in mangroves and sheltered reefs, seeking refuge in caverns or under ledges. When young, this fish has very long dorsal and anal fins edged with a bright orange trim.

In adults, those fins are smaller in relation to their bodies, and the colours are duller. This fish feeds on algae, jellyfish and other gelatinous plankton.

In case of danger, the juveniles float on their 'mimicking' side, causing them to look and act like toxic flatworms.

Indo-Pacific area

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