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Platax orbicularis
Orbicular batfish are tropical fish that are endemic to the Indian and Pacific oceans (Wiki). Disk-shaped body that is ventrally flattened. Silvery colouration with yellow and black markings on all fins. The faint vertical stripes seen on this individual are often more protruding.
Coral reefs, they are semi-pelagic and most commonly seen hovering a few meters over the reef flat or slope at depths between 5-30 meters.
This species is extremely inquisitive, and this particular individual is part of a shoal that I have seen every time I've been back to this particular site over a four year period. Often I'd find myself diving or snorkelling and having the feeling of being watched, only to turn around and find one of these guys within less than a meter of me.
Spotted on Jul 8, 2010
Submitted on Aug 8, 2011
4 Comments
Thanks Laura, no this is actually part of the Buoy 3 batfish crew! Seen the big guy at Sampela though, he's a beauty!
Oh Elsa is this the big fish that hangs out at Sampela? I've seen him a few times too, he wanted to see how to lay a benthic transect apparently haha! Great shot :)
Thanks :) ..and agree, they are pretty cool fish!
I love Batfish, so Awesome. Great shot!