The Dusky Batfish: Platax pinnatus The Dusky Batfish Platax pinnatus is a member of the family Ephippidae, which includes Spadefishes, Batfishes and Scats. They range throughout the western and southern Pacific, Including Palau and Australia, and the Great Barrier Reef. They dwell against walls, coral reefs, caves, and rocky overhangs at depths 100 feet and more, and are mainly solitary creatures. Amazingly enough, they eat Jellyfish along with algae and other invertebrates. This Dusky Batfish took me by surprise when I was photographing in Palau. I didn't see him coming from my left side but when I saw him through my viewfinder, I couldn't resist taking the shot.
Print Number - TF005
Limited Edition signed color photography for sale by Stephen Brunson

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Dusky Batfish Statistics:

Size:                       18 - 20 inches
Lifespan:                 10 - 12 Years
Number of Young:  Eggs laid in large Batches
Mating Season:       Seasonal in Tropical waters
Diet:                       Algae and zooplankton, including Jellyfish! and other invertebrates
Distribution:            Palau and the South and West Pacific from Ryukyu Islands to Australia
Habit:                     Solitary, it finds caves and coral reefs to hide in.

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