Marble Batfish

West Pacific, ranging from the Malay Peninsula to eastern Australia. Adults are usually found on deep, open substrates with sparse reef or some coral heads. A solitary species, but occasionally found in pairs or small groups at depths pf about 20m or more. Small juveniles also occur in deep water and the zebra pattern serves well as camouflage when sheltering with crinoids. The striped pattern is replaced when crinoids are outgrown.  Large individuals become more elongate than other batfishes and develop a hump on the forehead. The largest batfish reaching about 65cm.