The chillest fish on the reef Batfish have a calm energy that’s hard to describe. They glide. They hover. They give side-eye like a cool kid at a beach bar. If you’ve ever done a safety stop and suddenly found a circle of silver, flat bodies around you—that was probably a batfish squad checking you out. On Koh Tao, batfish are a favorite with new and experienced divers alike. They’re friendly (in fish terms), photogenic, and often curious about your bubbles. If you keep things relaxed, they’ll happily hang near you for minutes. It’s a vibe. Meet the batfish (Platax spp.) Batfish are laterally compressed—wide and flat—with long dorsal and anal fins. Juveniles can look very different: tall, floppy fins, dramatic patterns, and shy behavior. Adults smooth out into sleek, silver bodies with dark edging. You’ll often see them schooling in the blue or hanging around structures. Common spots near Koh Tao: pinnacles, moorings, buoy lines, and the “blue space” just off the reef. Schooling style: gentle, coordinated, and curious—perfect for wide-angle photos. Depth range: often from 5–25 m, but they love that shallow water at the end of the dive. Why they love your safety stop Three minutes at five metres is prime batfish time. You’re still, you’re not chasing anything, and your bubbles make tiny sounds in the water. Batfish seem to enjoy that calm pause as much as we do. They drift in, orbit the group, and sometimes line up right in front of your mask, as if to ask: “What’s up, bubble-maker?” It’s also where the light is nice. Shallow water brings out the polished silver and those thin black lines on their fins. If you want easy, flattering batfish photos, safety-stop depth is your sweet spot. A tiny trick to bring them closer Try this on your next dive: hold your hand out and rub two fingers together to make a soft vibration. No snapping, no loud clicks—just a subtle rub. Sometimes batfish drift in to investigate. Sometimes they ignore you (they are cool, after all). Either way, keep movements small and slow. Stay neutral, keep distance, and never touch. Important: Please don’t feed fish or chase them for a shot. We want natural behavior and stress-free animals. The finger-rub trick is just a harmless “hey there” in fish language, and even then, we use it gently. Where to find batfish around Koh Tao Buoy lines and moorings: look up and out from the line during your ascent and stop. Edges of pinnacles: scan the blue just off the structure; schools often hang a few metres away. Artificial features: around rope lines, ladders, and boats—anywhere with mild current and open water. They can pop up almost anywhere, but if your guide says “batfish nearby,” believe them. We see them a lot on relaxed reef dives and on deeper days out to the pinnacles. Photo tips (easy mode) Go wide: a wide-angle lens or your action cam is perfect. Fill the frame with one fish or catch the curve of a school. Shoot up, not down: angle slightly upward so you get the sky-blue background. It makes the silver pop. Slow and steady: keep your hands close to your body. Sudden moves send fish away. Breathe smooth: small exhalations keep the group calm and reduce bubble blasts right in their faces. No flash needed: shallow light is kind. If you use lights, keep them soft and off the eyes. Batfish manners (for us, not them) Give space: one full fin-kick of distance is friendly. Half a kick is pushy. Hold your trim: good buoyancy = better photos and zero reef contact. Let them choose: if they come closer, lovely. If they back off, let them go. They might circle back in 30 seconds. Stay off the line: if you’re at a buoy line with other teams, keep clear so everyone can share the moment. Why batfish hang with divers We can’t ask them, but we have guesses: Curiosity: divers make sounds and look like big, slow fish. Safety-in-numbers feel: a group in the blue is a calm place to hover. Zero threat: good divers move slowly and don’t chase; batfish read that as “no problem.” Whatever the reason, the best encounters happen when you act like part of the scenery. Float. Breathe. Enjoy the silver parade. When to see them Year-round is possible on Koh Tao, with higher chances on days with mild current and clear water. Morning light can be lovely for color. But the real secret is simple: keep your eyes open during your ascent and safety stop. Many divers switch off at the end of the dive. Don’t. Batfish love that last five metres. Batfish vs. juvenile batfish (spot the difference) Juveniles can look like a different species. They have extra-long fins, dramatic patterns, and a fluttery style—like they’re wearing fancy sleeves. Adults are smoother and more uniform silver with a classic disc shape. Both are great photo subjects, but juveniles can be shy. Approach extra slowly. Let them settle, then raise your camera. Quick batfish FAQ Are batfish dangerous? No. They’re peaceful and usually keep a polite distance. Can I touch them? Never touch wildlife. Hands to yourself = best behavior and best photos. Will the finger-rub trick always work? Not always. It’s more of a polite knock than a guarantee. Try it, smile if it works, and enjoy the moment if it doesn’t. How we dive with batfish at Phoenix Divers Small groups: fewer bubbles, calmer fish, better photos. Clear plans: we brief you on where to look and how to move for the best chance of a close pass. Respect first: no feeding, no chasing, and no blocking their route. We want natural, stress-free behavior. Want 'batfish at safety stop' on your logbook?Join us for a relaxed reef day. We’ll pick sites that fit your experience and conditions, then keep the pace slow and easy. With a little luck—and a gentle finger rub—you might have a silver audience at five metres. Message Phoenix Divers and we’ll set up your next Koh Tao dives. If you’re planning a bigger day out, ask about our weekly Sail Rock trips too—perfect blue-water vibes, and yes, batfish love a pinnacle.Get in touch