Batfish

Pattaya Aquatic Life

Batfish Pattaya

Learn About Batfish Around Pattaya

Batfish are a common sight for divers in the Pattaya area. Known for their distinctive shape and schooling behavior, these fish add to the vibrant underwater scenery. Batfish in this region are particularly curious and often approach divers, making them a favorite among underwater photographers.

Where to Find Batfish in Pattaya

Batfish can be found around various dive sites in Pattaya, particularly around coral reefs and wreck sites. They are often seen at locations like Koh Rin, Koh Lan, the Khram Wreck, and Hin Chalam.

How to Identify Different Types of Batfish

Identifying batfish is relatively easy due to their unique shape and features:

Distinctive Tall, Flat Body Shape: Resembling a bat’s wing, which is how they got their name.
Dark Vertical Stripes on the Body: Especially prominent in certain species like the Platax teira.
Rounded Pectoral and Pelvic Fins: Giving them a disc-like appearance when viewed from the side.
Juveniles: Have more elongated fins and brighter coloration, often appearing more striking than adults.

Types of Batfish

Orbicular Batfish (Platax orbicularis): Recognized by its almost circular body and silver color with faint, dark vertical bars.
Teira Batfish (Platax teira): Known for its distinctive black blotch below the pectoral fins and yellow-tinted tail.
Dusky Batfish (Platax pinnatus): Often seen in juvenile stage, which is bright orange with a black outline.

Batfish Characteristics & Behaviour

Batfish are known for:

Schooling Behavior: Often seen swimming in large groups, creating a mesmerizing sight for divers.
Curiosity: They are known to approach divers closely, making them a favorite for underwater photographers.
Diet: Primarily feed on plankton and small invertebrates, often seen picking at the reef or debris.
Habitat: Prefer coral reefs, rocky areas, and wreck sites where they can find food and protection.

Interesting Facts About Batfish

Adaptable Coloration: Batfish can change color depending on their environment to blend in better and avoid predators.
Growth: Juveniles look quite different from adults, with more elongated fins and brighter colors, often mistaken for different species.
Cleaning Stations: They often visit cleaning stations where cleaner fish remove parasites from their bodies, showcasing a fascinating aspect of marine symbiosis.
Social Structure: Batfish are highly social and rely on group dynamics for protection and feeding.

These characteristics and behaviors make batfish an interesting and exciting species for divers to observe in the waters around Pattaya. Their inquisitive nature often leads them to interact with divers, providing unique and memorable underwater encounters.