Encountering Longfin Spadefish in Mozambique's Pristine Waters

During a recent dive in the pristine waters of Mozambique, I had the extraordinary opportunity to encounter a small school of Longfin Spadefish (Platax teira).

Schooling Longfin Spadefish off the coast of Mozambique

Longfin Spadefish, scientifically known as Platax teira, belong to the Ephippidae family, which encompasses both spadefishes and batfishes. These fascinating marine creatures are ray-finned fish that have earned several regional names, including teira batfish, longfin batfish, and round faced batfish. Their habitat spans the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, with populations found along the coastlines of East Africa, throughout Southeast Asia, and around Australia. This wide distribution makes them a common sight for divers and marine enthusiasts exploring these diverse aquatic ecosystems.

Appearance: Longfin Spadefish have a distinct, laterally compressed body with long, flowing dorsal and anal fins that give them a unique, almost disc-like shape. Juveniles are more elongated and develop the distinctive adult shape as they mature.
Coloration: Their coloration can vary, but adults typically have a silvery body with dark vertical bands and may exhibit yellowish hues on their fins. Juveniles are often darker with more pronounced banding.
Habitat: These fish prefer coastal reefs, lagoons, and sometimes brackish environments like mangroves. They are usually found at depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters.
Diet: Longfin Spadefish are omnivorous, feeding on algae, plankton, small invertebrates, and detritus. They often graze on the surface of corals and rocks.
Behavior: Known for their social nature, longfin Spadefish are often seen in small groups. They are curious and may approach divers, making them a favorite among underwater photographers and enthusiasts.

My Thrilling Encounter

On this particular dive, I was exploring a reef known for its rich biodiversity when I spotted the familiar silhouette of a longfin Spadefish. As I approached, I realized there wasn’t just one – there were three majestic Spadefish gliding gracefully among the corals. Their elegant movements and striking appearance held me spellbound.

Just when I thought the experience couldn’t get any better, a fourth Spadefish joined the group, followed by a fifth, and then a sixth! Watching these stunning creatures interact and swim together was a sight to behold. The way they effortlessly navigated the reef, with their long fins trailing behind them, was mesmerizing.

Thanks to the dive guides at Liquid Dive Adventures in Mozambique.

I shot the above video with a Panasonic GH5 in a Nauticam underwater housing and wet wide angle lens. Here’s a link to my underwater camera set-up.