Polka-Dot Batfish (Ogcocephalus radiatus) – Blue Heron Bridge, Riviera Beach, Fl
Canon G15, Nauticam NAG15, Inon s2000 (x2), Sola Photo 800, Nauticam CMC-1
1/125 sec, f/8, ISO100
More images showing the Batfish’s leg-like pectoral fins which they use to ‘walk’ across the bottom.
I believe that some of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen were underwater. Dynamic and varied life remains the major allure that drives me to explore underwater. Batfish are some of the weirdest looking creatures I’ve ever come across and yet, they’re almost too bizarre to call ‘ugly’. Although having a flattened body, a grumpy face, and a pair of awkward ‘feet’, the Batfish still draws countless photographers in for their close-ups. These creatures waddle across the bottom using two specialized pectoral fins as well as their tail to create a tripod, where they can stand steadily on the bottom while waiting for food. Small protrusions sway across their faces in the current which attracts small fish and crustaceans towards the mouth of the beast. Photographing Batfish always proves to be difficult, as they shy away from divers and lights – achieving a frontal shot often requires teamwork by dive partners to ‘corral’ the fish towards the photographer.