The skin is rough, with pointed bony tubercles on the upper surface of the body and both surfaces of the tail. Batfishes are true bottom fishes. Their dark color and unusual flattened shape serve as camouflage, concealing them from predators and potential prey. They are ambush feeders, resting quietly and moving the lure to attract their fish and crustacean prey close enough to be captured. They also feed on snails, clams, and various kinds of worms.
Batfishes are rather difficult to identify.
There are nine genera and 62 species. The Shortnose Batfish and the Polka-dot Batfish are the most common species in shallow water. Information taken from National Audubon Society Field Guide to Tropical Marine Fishes . They have a flabby balloon-shaped, pink body, densly covered with minute spines. The very short lure has a flattened, fleshy bait fringed with short filaments and can be laid back in a shallow groove in the snout.