Encountering Batfish on Night Fishing Trips

Sometimes, during our night fishing trips, we encounter a type of fish that moves incredibly quickly: the batfish. Their oval shape and flat body create strong resistance on the fishing line, making them unforgettable to reel in. Batfish—particularly the Teira Batfish (Platax teira)—are frequently found in the Maldives. We often notice them while fishing at night, even at relatively shallow depths, when targeting species such as bigeye trevally. In the Maldives, batfish are known as Baiypolhi Mas.

Social, Inquisitive, and Majestic

Batfish are social and inquisitive creatures. Their movements are truly majestic, whether seen alone or forming large schools. Other fish often swim among them because of their docile nature. This gentle disposition is what makes their appearance in the deep especially striking.

Scientists have discovered that batfish can identify people, and they are capable of surviving in a wide range of habitats. They inhabit shipwrecks, steep slopes, and coral reefs. They can be found both close to the surface and at depths of around 160 feet, feeding on algae, invertebrates, and plankton.

A Small and Fascinating Fish Family

Three species from the genus Platax are found in the Maldives. The batfish family itself is small, with five genera and roughly ten species. Juveniles have very long fins, but as they mature, they gradually transform into nearly round, disc-shaped fish.

Young juveniles float in open water with leaves, land debris, or sargassum weeds during the wet season. They often settle in harbours beneath jetties and form small groups. Adults may live alone or in schools. Although they prefer deeper waters, they also feed in the shallows. Their diet includes bottom invertebrates and zooplankton, and they are sometimes seen nibbling on jellyfish.

Batfish Species of the Maldives

Rounded Batfish (Platax orbicularis)

• Adults are usually solitary but may form schools.
• Juveniles gather in small groups near the bottom and imitate browned tree leaves.
• Juveniles can be identified by two dark spots on the tail, opposite each other at the ends of the body fins.
• Adults have yellowish sides on their pectoral fins.
• Found throughout the Indo-Pacific.
• Grows up to 50 cm.
  (Kuiter, R. 2014)

Tall-fin Batfish (Platax teira)

Also known as Longfin Batfish

• Adults live alone or in small groups.
• Identified by a short dark bar on the anus (visible but may fade with age) and a black blotch beneath the pectoral fin, part of a dark side band.
• Juveniles have very long dorsal, anal, and ventral fins and float beneath surface debris, forming groups when they meet.
• Commonly settle under jetties and swim in mid-water.
• Found throughout the Indo-Pacific.
• Reaches approximately 60 cm.
  (Kuiter, R. 2014)

Boer’s Batfish (Platax boersii)

• Only recently recognised as a valid species; previously confused with others.
• Juveniles resemble tall-fin batfish; adults resemble rounded batfish.
• Juveniles are distinguished by tall, somewhat triangular vertical fins.
• Adults have a very short mouth and a flat face.
• Appears widespread across the Indo-Pacific.
• Grows to at least 50 cm.
  (Kuiter, R. 2014)

Source

Kuiter, R. (2014). Fishes of the Maldives. Atoll Editions.