EPHIPPIDAE


Platax orbicularis
(adult; photo by Narongphon Sittithaweephat)



Platax orbicularis, 2.0 cm SL
(juvenile; photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin)


Platax orbicularis
(Forsskål, 1775)
Copper Batfish

D V, 34-39; A III, 25-29; P1 16-18; LL 44-52; GR 10+10.

Body orbicular, strongly compressed. Snout short, dorsal contour somewhat concave in large adults. Five pores on each side of lower jaw. Tricuspid teeth on jaws; middle cusp larger than lateral cusps; no teeth on vomer or palatines. Color: body yellowish silver with 2 vertical black bands in adults; juvenile reddish brown with small white ocellii on body. Size: maximum length 50 cm. Distribution: Indo-Pacific. Remarks: found on near reefs in adults. Juveniles appear in mangrove areas, mimic floating leaves. (Seishi Kimura)