Anilao, Philippines
GOLDEN BATFISH
(Golden Spadefish, Boer's Platax)
Platax boersii Bleeker, 1852
Family Ephippidae
This is the only species of batfish known from the Hawaiian Islands, other than presumed aquarium releases of Longfin Batfish (Platax teira). In April 1980 several Golden Batfish were seen under the cargo pier at Midway Atoll over 1000 miles northwest of the main Hawaiian Islands. One was speared and its identity confirmed. As far as I know, the species has not been reported again in the Hawaiian chain.
If you see a batfish in Hawaii, email me!
How do you know if it's a Golden Batfish or a Longfin Batfish? The two are similar, but the Golden Batfish, as it's name implies, has a yellowish tinge overall. The best way to identify the Longfin is by the dark spot low on the body above the ventral fins. There is often a narrow vertical dark mark just behind it. Both are clearly visible in this photo.