Atlantic Batfish
Dibranchus atlanticus
Also known as: Deepsea Batfish, Handfish, Sea Bat, Walking Batfish
- Deepsea Batfish
- Handfish
- Sea Bat
- Walking Batfish
Overview
Found singly, resting on the bottom or partially covered in mud or sand, close to reef edges, in both shallow and very deep waters.
These batfishes with their depressed circular/triangular bodies are poor swimmers and have adapted for a life style of crawling about on the sea floor using their pelvic fins and arm like Pectoral fins. They have a small lure on their snout to attract their prey, the lure becomes shorter with age.
How to identify
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Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Western Atlantic, Caribbean
- Country only · 2
Found singly, resting on the bottom or partially covered in mud or sand, close to reef edges, in both shallow and very deep waters.
Adult photos 2
Discussion
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Deep dive
More in the family
Batfishes (Ogcocephalidae)




