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Snappers and sweetlips. Snappers (Lutjanus) are common predatory fish around deeper reefs, and are an important food fish. The red snapper (Lutjanus bohar), although delicious, is in some areas one of the most frequently ciguatoxic fishes (see "Ciguatera Poisoning," at left.)

Perhaps the most commonly seen reef fish in Indonesia is the yellow-backed fusilier (Caesio teres), a streamlined, 20-30 centimeter fish marked with bright blue and yellow. These planktivores, related to snappers, travel in large aggregations that provide a measure of protection against predators such as jacks.

Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus) are medium-sized, strikingly marked fish related to the snappers. They are common in Indonesia, where they can often be seen in mixed schools. The juveniles are especially attractive, with bold stripes and dots of white against a brown or black background.

Batfishes. The batfishes (Platax) are common inhabitants of Indonesian reefs, As adults, these animals take the shape of a large, silvery platter, as much as half a meter in length, with two or three broad black vertical bands. Traveling about the reef in small groups, they have a reputation for being very "intelligent," and seem to regard divers with curiosity.