Longfin Spadefish

Platax teira, commonly known as the teira batfish or longfin batfish, is a marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Ephippidae. This species is found in the Indo-West Pacific.

Taxonomically, Platax teira was first described as Chaetodon teira by Peter Forsskål and later designated as the type species of the Platax genus by Pieter Bleeker. It falls under the family Ephippidae in the order Moroniformes. The specific name "teira" is a Latinized version of the Arabic name for the juveniles found in 🇾🇪 Yemen.

In terms of physical description, Platax teira has a circular body shape with a slight hump on the nape. It typically displays silver, grey, or brownish coloration and possesses distinct dark markings under the pectoral and anal fins. The fish can change color from silvery white to brown with darker banding. The maximum recorded total length for this species is 70 cm (28 in). Juveniles resemble floating leaves, while larger juveniles develop elongated pelvic fins and elongated front soft rays in the dorsal and anal fins.

Platax teira can be found in various habitats across the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the 🌊 Red Sea and East Africa to Papua 🇵🇬 New Guinea, with northern extent to the Ryukyu Islands (🇯🇵 Japan) and southern extent to 🇦🇺 Australia. Recent records have also been made in the Mediterranean Sea. These fish are commonly found dwelling among floating seaweed, debris, and artificial reefs, both in shallow coastal areas and deeper offshore locations.

In terms of its diet, Platax teira is an omnivore and feeds on plankton, sessile invertebrates, small invertebrates, and marine algae. The smaller juveniles tend to aggregate around floating debris, while larger individuals form pelagic schools that seek shelter beneath Sargassum rafts after the wet season.

Overall, Platax teira is a fascinating species with a wide distribution and diverse feeding habits.