| Batfishes have bodies that are depressed (dorsoventrally flattened), usually triangular or round, and are covered with tubercle-like hardened scales. The snout is in the shape of a narrow rostrum (bill-like structure) that protrudes out and over the mouth. The underside of the rostrum contains a downward projecting glandular organ called an "esca" which is used to lure food out of the bottom. The gill openings are small, rounded and located behind the pectoral fins. The pectoral fins are modified into leg-like structures which allow the species to walk along the bottom. A Gulf bottom-dwelling species, they prefer mud or sandy bottoms but also may be found among rocks and reefs. |
