orbicular batfish

Adult orbicular batfish are round in shape, laterally compressed, and of silver-gray color. A black vertical band crosses the eye. A second black band runs vertically from the rear of the pelvic fins to the base of the caudal fin. This fades partially with age. Depending on the fish's mood, colors may lighten or darken.

The belly and pelvic fins are yellow. A yellow border lines the pelvic, anal, dorsal, and caudal fins. The pectoral, dorsal, caudal, and anal fins are translucent yellow.

Juveniles are reddish-orange to brown with dark spots. The body is laterally compressed. The dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins are the same color as the body and are highly developed, giving the fish the appearance of a dead leaf.

Subadults are gray with highly developed black pelvic, anal, and dorsal fins.

The orbicular batfish is a pair-living or schooling fish that naturally resides mid-water and near the bottom. It is a calm-tempered species that particularly enjoys shipwrecks. Juveniles are most often seen in shallow areas like mangroves, camouflaged among the dead leaves of mangroves.

This fearless fish allows divers to approach it.

The orbicular batfish is an oviparous fish that spawns in open water all year round.

Reproduction occurs at nightfall, often during full moons. Females lay between 75,000 and 150,000 eggs measuring on average 1.3 mm. These typically hatch 24 hours after spawning. The larvae are around 3.7 mm. They feed exclusively on plankton. The juvenile stage is reached around 18 days, when individuals measure 15 mm.