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ISC DIVER
Top 50 Dive Sites

Pinnate Batfish

Platax pinnatus

Rank
Species
Dive sites
5 sites

The pinnate batfish is unmistakable in shallow coral reef settings, identifiable by its tall, sail-like dorsal and anal fins that dwarf its disc-shaped body. Juveniles display bold red and black vertical stripes, whilst adults fade to silvery-grey with orange-yellow fin edges. These fish move slowly and deliberately through reef crevices and around coral heads, often in small groups or pairs, foraging on small crustaceans and plankton. They are found across Indo-Pacific reefs from the Red Sea to the central Pacific.

Most likely to be seen at

Sites where its range and habitat make it likely — not yet confirmed by a logged sighting.