Batfish are a regular sight in the waters around the great barrier reef. They also frequent this area around Fish Rock near South West Rocks. This pair of batfish checks out the divers waiting at the mooring rope.

• Longfin Batfish - Platax pinnatus
• This species grows to 35 cm in length
• In Australia it is known from off central Western Australia, around the north of the country and south to the central coast of New South Wales
• The Longfin Batfish has also been called the Leaf-fish, Pinnate Batfish and Shaded Batfish.
• Live on the bottom, usually in shallow marine waters. A few inhabit waters at depths of several hundred metres, and some have adapted to coastal rivers.
• Batfish are poor swimmers

A smaller version of this image is on the fishrock dive page.