A narrowbanded batfish (Platax orbicularis) on the edge of the channel at a relatively shallow reef site. In the tropical Indo-Pacific, the name 'batfish' is applied to fishes like this one — members of family Ephippidae — whereas the same name is used in reference to the otherworldly-looking benthic dwellers of family Ogcocephalidae. This transregional nightmare of nomenclature is why 'scientific' names are so important. (Ann Sophie's, Kimbe Bay)
A young longfin batfish (P. pinnatus) in a pass on the barrier reef. Juveniles of this species are greatly elongate vertically and colored a spectacular black with orange-red margins — probably in imitation of a toxic polyclad flatworm (deceptive, or Batesian, mimicry in action). This specimen has the adult coloration but its body and fins are still vertically elongated and will eventually round out to a more disc-like shape. (Milinat Pass, Madang)
A roundfaced batfish (P. teira) making the rounds of an upcurrent spot on the reef. Larger batfishes are abundant at several of the Kimbe Bay sites that I visited, where they would typically approach so closely that most of my photos of them consist of off-kilter, overexposed portions of batfish anatomy. (Ann Sophie's, Kimbe Bay)
Another roundfaced batfish in the same area. (Ann Sophie's, Kimbe Bay)
A roundfaced batfish in extreme close-up. (Inglis Shoal, Kimbe Bay)
A roundfaced batfish high above a deep reef, crusing in and out of the blue water beyond. (Joelle, Kimbe Bay)
A young roundfaced batfish in blue water near a relatively deep (about 20 m to the reeftop) seamount. This batfish spent a lot of time circling just beneath the surface, with its dorsal fin out of the water. (Joelle, Kimbe Bay)
A roundfaced batfish cruises majestically far above the helter-skelter of activity on a seamount's crest. (Inglis Shoal, Kimbe Bay)
