The orbicular batfish was first formally described as Chaetodon orbicularis by the Swedish-speaking Finnish explorer, orientalist, naturalist Peter Forsskål with its type locality given as Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

In larger adults, i.e. those with a total length in excess of 40 cm (16 in) have a indented snout with a bony intraorbital protuberance.

The colour of adults is silvery grey with black vertical bars running through the pectoral fin and eye.

[8] They are found in shallow, protected coastal waters[2] including mangroves, coral reefs and deeper areas with silt substrates.

The juveniles typically hide among in mangroves and in protected lagoons, frequently amongst flotsam where they mimic dead leaves floating in the water column.

[8] Orbicular batfish have been recorded in the Western Atlantic off southern Florida, most likely as a result of deliberate release from aquariums.