Fin's Fish Guide
The Batfish (Drepane punctata) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Drepaneidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Indo-West Pacific, in various coastal habitats: sandy or muddy bottoms, reefs, estuaries and harbours.
Description
The spotted sicklefish is a sicklefish (family Drepaneidae) of the Indo-West Pacific. The species reaches about 50 cm and has a deep, strongly laterally compressed, silvery body with rows of dark spots and a protrusible mouth. It inhabits various coastal habitats, from sand and mud bottoms to reefs, estuaries and harbours, often near coral and rocks. Its diet consists of bottom invertebrates such as worms and small crustaceans, which it sucks from the sediment with its protrusible mouth. The species is of commercial value and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Batfish?
The Batfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Strongly flattened, disc-shaped body with rows of dark blotches and a protrusible mouth.
Where does the Batfish live?
The Batfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific, in various coastal habitats: sandy or muddy bottoms, reefs, estuaries and harbours.
How big does the Batfish get?
The Batfish grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Batfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Batfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Batfish edible?
Yes, the Batfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Drepane
More from the family Drepaneidae
Want the complete picture on the Batfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Batfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.