EPHIPPIDAE


Platax pinnatus
(photo by Narongphon Sittithaweephat)


Platax pinnatus
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Pinnate Batfish

D V-VI, 34-37; A III, 24-28; P1 17-20; LL 44-53; GR 9+11.

Body orbicular, strongly compressed. Snout protruding; dorsal contour of snout distinctly concave. Three or 4 pores on each side of lower jaw. Tricuspid teeth on jaws; middle cusp larger than lateral cusps; teeth on vomer but palatines toothless. Color: body yellowish silver with 2 vertical black bands in adults; small juvenile black, with bright orange margin around fins (except pectoral fin) and dorsal contour from upper jaw to dorsal-fin origin. Size: maximum length 45 cm. Distribution: western Pacific. Remarks: found on reefs or mangrove areas. (Seishi Kimura)