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Longfin batfish

Longfin batfish

(Platax tiera)

The longfin batfish is found in the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and east Africa to Papua New Guinea. Adults occur from coastal lagoons out to seaward reefs and occasionally can be encountered deep offshore. Juvenile prefer protected areas such as sea grass beds and mangroves.

The body of the adult is rounded and laterally compressed. It is yellowish silver in color with several dark vertical bars. The adult also has a boney hump on the forehead. The juvenile looks very different from the adult. It has a very short body with extremely tall dorsal and anal fins.

Look for small schools of longfin batfish in the Ocean Voyager gallery.

Fun Facts

  • The longfin batfish feeds on algae and a variety of invertebrates, such as jellies and other plankton.
  • Adults may be solitary or occasionally may form large schools.
  • Juveniles form schools under floating rafts of seaweed.
  • It is believed that this batfish spawns in open water and its larvae transform into the tall juvenile when it is less than an inch long.
  • Another common name for this fish is "tiara batfish".
  • Download full fact sheet

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