Orbicular batfish
Platax orbicularis
-5.43333, 123.767
Field Notes
Description:
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.
Habitat:
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.
Notes:
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.
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