Longfin Batfish's description
The Longfin Batfish can be recognised by the dark blotch below the pectoral fin, and a second elongated dark mark above the origin of the anal fin. Viewed from the side, the body is roughly circular with a low hump on the nape. It is silver, grey or brownish with a dark band through the eye and another level with the pectoral fin.
Juveniles have very long dorsal and anal fins that become relatively shorter as the fish grows.
Adult batfish can grow up to 60cm (24 inches) from the tip of their dorsal fin to the tip of the anal fin.
The species is well known for its highly rounded and compressed body shape. The colour pattern varies widely among individuals. However, various combinations of a light brown or yellowish silver are the most common patterns of colour. There is also a small vertical bar, dark in colour, across the face, and a wider one behind the operculum.
Adults possess highly arched anal fins, and a small bony bulge on the forehead. The juvenile Longfin Batfish are distinctly different in appearance from the adults. They possess a short body, extremely tall anal fins, and display no bulge on the forehead.
The species occurs though much of the tropical Indo-West Pacific.