Silver Batfish

Common Name: Silver Batfish
Scientific Name: Monodactylus argenteus
Family: Monodactylidae
Found: QLD, NSW
Maximum Length: 25 cm

Silver Batfish are also known as Diamond Fish or Butterfish. Found from southern NSW around the north of Australia to northern WA. Members of the Batfish family are characterised by having deep bodies and a long base to the dorsal and anal fins. Juveniles can be found a long way upstream and can tolerate fresh water. Adults school in a variety of coastal habitats.

Adults and juveniles take on completely different colouration. Adults are silvery with yellow dorsal and anal fins, sometimes with black tips to the fins. They have 2 dark vertical bars over their eyes that fade with age. Juveniles are black with a red tip to the dorsal fin.

Confusing Species: Eastern Pomfred

Eastern Pomfreds are also known as Ladder-finned Pomfred. They are distinguished from Silver Batfish by having yellow over the back in addition to yellow dorsal and anal fins. They also have a brown vertical stripe at the back of the head.