Platax teira, also known as the Longfin Batfish are known for their inquisitive nature. They often approach divers closely and may follow them around the dive site for the entire dive. This curiosity makes them a favorite among divers. Platax teira or Longfin Batfish tend to swim in schools, particularly as juveniles, providing an awesome sight as they move in unison. As they mature, they often become more solitary or form smaller groups.
Distinguishing Features
- Platax teira, also known as the Longfin Batfish, is easily recognizable by a dark blotch under the pectoral fin and a long dark mark above the base of the anal fin. When viewed from the side, it has a roughly circular body with a low hump on the nape. This fish usually appears silver, grey, or brownish. It features a blackish band running through the eye and another band through the pectoral fin.
- Amazing, the Longfin Batfish can change color from silvery white with no bands to brown with darker banding, and then fade back to silver again as you watch.
- This species can reach a maximum length of 70 cm.
- Very small juveniles are brownish and resemble floating leaves, providing excellent camouflage. As they grow larger, the pelvic fins and front soft rays of the dorsal and anal fins become highly elongated, extending to around the posterior of the base of the anal fin. This distinctive elongation adds to their unique appearance as they mature.
Behavior
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Platax teira, also known as the Longfin Batfish, are highly social marine animals that form schools, often found in large numbers around reefs. This schooling behavior helps them stay safe from predators. Their sociable nature is evident in their tendency to allow other fish species to join their groups, showcasing their friendly disposition.
- These fish are known for their intelligence, with research revealing their ability to recognize individual humans. Despite extensive studies, their breeding habits and lifespan are still not well understood. It is believed that they breed in open water, where they release eggs and sperm into the water column, leading to external fertilization. The fertilized eggs develop into planktonic larvae before settling down and growing into juveniles, which quickly develop the distinctive juvenile arch shape when just a few centimeters long.
- Tailfin Batfish can live up to 10-15 years in the wild. Their long lifespan, combined with their social and inquisitive behavior, makes them a captivating species for divers and marine biologists.
- These fish are also known to be quite adaptable, capable of thriving in a variety of habitats, from shallow reefs to deeper waters. They are often seen near shipwrecks and artificial reefs, where they find shelter and food. Longfin Batfish can change color slightly to blend in with their surroundings, which helps them avoid predators and ambush prey.
Diet
- Platax teira is an omnivore, feeding on plankton, sessile invertebrates, small invertebrates, and marine algae.
- Small juveniles stay among floating debris, forming aggregations as they find each other. As they grow larger, they become more pelagic and form sizeable schools that shelter beneath large rafts of Sargassum, which typically form after the wet season. This schooling behavior provides protection and improves their chances of finding food.
Where to Find Platax teira on Koh Tao
Tailfin Batfish (Platax teira) are frequently spotted at various dive sites around Koh Tao. For some of the best views of these captivating fish, check out:
Additionally, Chumphon Pinnacle and Sail Rock are known for larger schools of Tailfin Batfish, where you can see them swimming together in impressive numbers.
Diving in Koh Tao offers numerous opportunities to encounter Platax Teira,Tailfin Batfish.
