Stock Photo - Orbicular batfish, Platax orbicularis, drifting next to a dead leaf fallen from the mangrove. Young fish have a curious behavior related to feeding and to protect themselves from the numerous predators of the mangrove. They assume a lying position allowing themselves to be carried immobile by the current, looking like a dead leaf. Its brownish coloration with dark spots further reinforces this mimic effect. They often assume this behaviour by placing themselves in the vicinity of dead leaves carried by the current as is the case with the animal in this photo.They live in shallow protected coastal waters to deep, somewhat silty habitats. Adults are found singly or in small groups and occasionally in large schools. Juveniles occur singly or in small groups among mangroves and inner sheltered lagoons while adults move out to open waters over sandy areas of deep lagoons, channels, and seaward reefs to a depth of at least 30 m. Kenya.

Stock Photo: Orbicular batfish, Platax orbicularis, drifting next to a dead leaf fallen from the mangrove. Young fish have a curious behavior related to feeding and to.

Searchable keywords

Choose multiple keywords