scubaseason

Longfin Batfish

Platax teira

Sighting evidence at Naviti Reef Wall, Yasawa Islands

Longfin Batfish

Photo: Albertini maridom · CC BY-NC

Longfin batfish hang in small groups at the top of the wall drop-off, their disc-shaped silver bodies and elongated fins making them unmistakeable against the blue. Juveniles are yellow-and-black striped and solitary, mimicking toxic flatworms or leaf litter to avoid predation, while adults abandon this disguise and gain safety through schooling. These fish are curious and often approach divers closely, circling and inspecting camera gear in a behaviour that makes them a favourite subject for underwater photographers at Naviti.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Longfin Batfish is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites