Common name:
Red-lipped batfish
Scientific name:
Ogcocephalus darwini
Spanish name:
Pez murciélago labio rojo
Conservation status:
Least Concern
Average size:
25 centimetres
Maximum size:
40 centimetres
The red-lipped batfish is an unusual fish. Closely related to other batfish but completely unique to Galapagos, the red-lipped batfish is a bottom dweller and is usually found within the sandy bottom of reefs or on the ocean floor. They can be found at depths of 3 – 76 metres in the Pacific Ocean around Galapagos or around the edges of reefs up to about 120m deep.
The body colour of the red-lipped batfish is light brown and greyish on its back, with a white stomach. On the top side, there is usually a dark brown stripe made of brown dots, starting at the head and going all the way down the back to the tail. The snout and horn of the red-lipped batfish are a brownish colour. As its name suggests, the batfish also has bright, almost fluorescent, red lips looking as though it has recently eaten a bloody meal, or is wearing some very bright lipstick.
"45% of all plastic used along the Pacific coastline of South and Central America is inadequately managed, leaking 1 million tonnes of plastic each year."
We are working with partners across the Eastern Pacific to make Galapagos plastic pollution free once again, identifying the sources and impacts of plastic and supporting innovative solutions.
Our new T-shirt design celebrates the brilliantly bizarre red-lipped batfish! These shirts are created using 50% recycled organic cotton, and are printed in a renewable energy-powered factory. We ship worldwide.
