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Platax orbicularis (Forsskål, 1775)
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Platax orbicularis (Forsskål, 1775)
  • Photo. (c) 2019 John Nevill.
Genus: ,

Scientific Name: Platax orbicularis

English Name: Orbicular batfish

Creole Name: Pouldo

French Name: Poule d'eau

IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)



Information

Description:

Dorsal spines: 5; Dorsal rays: 34-39; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 25-29.
 
A large deep-bodies laterally compressed fish. Broad based and long dorsal and anal fins give overall profile a somewhat triangular appearance. In juveniles the dorsal and 
anal fins are elongated.  Large adults with concave snout profile with bony swelling between eyes. Jaws with bands of slender, flattened, tricuspid teeth, the middle cusp 
prominent. Preopercle smooth. Opercle without spines.

Colour. Adults yellowish-silvery to dusky body sometimes with small scattered black spots on flanks. A dark bar through eye and another bar behind head that fade with age. 
Yellowish dorsal and anal fins with black margins. Black pelvic fins. Pectoral fins dusky yellow. Juveniles brownish yellow with a dark bar on head through the eye.


Size:

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 60cm TL.


Habitat and Ecology:

Inhabits a range of mangrove and reef areas (depth 1-30m). Juveniles usually occur amongst mangroves and in silty areas, often mimicking leaves. Adults prefer sandy areas in 
deeper waters, occasionally forming large schools. Feeds on small fishes, algae, and invertebrates.
 


Fishery Status:

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in handline and net fisheries but is a relatively uncommon component of the catch.


Notes:

 

 


References:

Anam, R. & Mostarda, E. (2012). FIELD IDENTIFICATION GUIDE TO THE LIVING MARINE RESOURCES OF KENYA. UNFAO Rome, 2012. ISBN 978-92-5-107239-4
Bray, D.J. (2019). Platax orbicularis in Fishes of Australia, http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/2208 (24/07/19).
Carpenter, K.E. & Robertson, R. (2019). Platax orbicularis. The IUCN Red List 2019: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T190152A53937753.en. (03/07/22).
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2019). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Platax-orbicularis.html (24/07/19).


Citation:

Nevill, J.E.G. (2019). Platax orbicularis, Orbicular batfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/platax-orbicularis-forsskal-1775/ (updated 03/07/22).


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