Longfin Batfish

Photo: Floyd E. Hayes · CC BY-NC

Longfin batfish hang in small groups at the top of the wall drop-off, their disc-shaped silver bodies and elongated fins making them unmistakeable against the blue. Juveniles are yellow-and-black striped and solitary, mimicking toxic flatworms or leaf litter to avoid predation, while adults abandon this disguise and gain safety through schooling. These fish are curious and often approach divers closely, circling and inspecting camera gear in a behaviour that makes them a favourite subject for underwater photographers at Naviti.