Orbicular batfish

Juveniles camouflage on dead leaves.

Scientific name	Platax orbicularis
English name	Orbicular batfish
Japanese name	Nanyotsubameuo
Classification	Actinopterygii
Classification details	Perciformes Ephippidae
Full length	~50cm
Distribution	Warm waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Characteristics

A saltwater fish with a distinctive color and shape that resembles the dry leaves of juveniles. They also swim by fluttering near the surface of the water, drifting sideways, and resemble dead leaves. Juveniles have elongated dorsal and anal fins. It is brown in color and has several vertical bands.

*The individual in the photo is a young fish.

Ecology

Juvenile fish can also be seen in shallow water reefs and harbors. The individual in the photo was also swimming along the Niijima embankment.

Juveniles are thought to be camouflaged by dead leaves. The dorsal and anal fins become shorter as they grow.

Habitat

Niijima Maehama embankment

When I was swimming in the foreshore, a friend called me, "There's a strange fish!" I found three strange fish that fluttered on the surface of the water near the embankment. They were very slow swimmers and one was swept away by the waves. The large, well-developed fins were graceful.