St. Vincent Critter of the Month
 St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Bequia
SHORTNOSE BATFISH


Batfish Face. Taken at Callie's Secret, St. Vincent


SHORTNOSE BATFISH

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES: 1. Unicorn-like Projection between eyes. 2. Two dark bands border pale band on tail.
DESCRIPTION: Mottled reddish brown to tan. May have dark spots edged in while along sides, but not on back. Unicorn-like projection is quite variable in length.
ABUNDANCE & DISTRIBUTION: Uncommon South Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean; also Gulf of Mexico and south to Brazil.
HABITAT & BEHAVIOR: Inhabit sand, mud and rocky bottoms; occasionally found near reefs. Rest on the bottom and usually partly cover themselves with sand or mud.
REACTION TO DIVERS: Apparently relying on camouflage, do not move unless molested.

Shortnose Batfish description courtesy of Paul Humann from the "Reef Fish Identification" book. Order your own copy at www.fishid.com under the Products section.



Batfish, Front View.... or alien landing craft?


PHOTOGRAPHER'S COMMENTS: This batfish was trying to hide in a bowl-like depression in the sand, completely out in the open. Depth, 52 ft. Callie's Secret, a newly discovered dive site.
EQUIPMENT USED: Nikonos V, Close up lens on 28mm lens, 1 Sea & Sea YS-120, 1 Sea & Sea YS-30 on TTL slave, Velvia @ 50ASA, f22.


Batfish, Port Side View... ready for takeoff !


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