Platax orbicularis is moderately common at Kwajalein, forming schools around some southern lagoon pinnacles such as the one at K10 buoy, or hanging around the mastposts and buoy lines on some deep lagoon shipwrecks, where they can often be observed eating plankton. They will also often be seen in small groups, sometimes pairs, along various shallow lagoon, pinnacle and seaward reefs.
Some old large ones develop darker color.
Or they can turn mostly silver.
Or some even yellow. The yellow pelvic fins on this one make it look more like Platax teira, but that species usually has a dark spot at the base of the band just behind the gills.
Younger individuals have taller dorsal, anal and pelvic fins.
Most often they travel in small groups.
At Kwaj, juveniles like those below are usually under piers or around pilings or inshore mooring lines. They have the appearance of drifting leaves, which probably disguises them from predators.
Created 30 April 2017
Updated 8 August 2020