Platax Pinnatus, a colorful juvenile fish
Why is it called Shaded Batfish?
Platax pinnatus, the red platax or shaded platax, is a species of marine fish of the family Ephippidae. The origins of the scientific name: Platax: from Greek [platos] = flat, wide Pinnatus: from Latin [pinnatus] = which has wings, feathers, in connection with its long fins, especially in the juveniles. |
Where do shaded batfish live?
It is found in the Indo-Pacific and regularly sighted in the Andaman Sea, both in Thailand and Myanmar. Unfortunately, the juvenile stage of this species is the most stunning and only last a few months. Its adult counterpart is less striking/ popular with underwater photographers. |
How to recognize Platax Pinnatus? And at what stage of its life?
Batfish reproduction
There are several types of Batfish, the most commonly encountered in Thailand and Myanmar is the Platax teira, also known as longfin batfish or longfin spadefish, but surprisingly we do not often encounter their juveniles...
If the Platax Teira is not afraid about you, it is even curious, it's not the case of the Platax Pinnatus, which stays away from you.