SPADEFISH, ATLANTIC

A, S -

SPADEFISH, ATLANTIC

Scientific Name: 
Chaetodipterus faber
Salt/Fresh: 
Salt
Also Known As: 
Paguala; Enxada; Sabaleta; Disque Portuguais; ATLANTIC SPADEFISH; Angelfish; Butterfly Fish; Jackass; Leathercoat; Moonfish; Ocean Cobbler; Pot Cover; Sea Donkey; Spadefish; Threebanded Sheephead; Threetailed Porgy, Tripletail; White Angel; White Angelfish; Atlantisk Spadefisk; Carangue A Slime; Chabela; Chirivita Chiva; Disque Portuguais; Enxada; Isabelita; Paguala; Paru-branco; Parum; Parum-enxada; Parum-rajado; Peixe-enxada; Sabaleta; Shirogane-tsubameuo; Spatenfisch; Szpadelek Karaibski; and Tareira
Rating: 
Countries: 
Other Countries
United States
Description: 

The Atlantic Spadefish is a species of marine fish endemic to the western Atlantic Ocean. Due to their reputation as strong fighters, they are popular game fish, especially during the summer months when they are most active.

How To Identify: 

The Atlantic Spadefish has a very deep, compressed, disk-shaped body and a blunt snout. The second dorsal and anal fins of adults have long, trailing anterior lobes, giving an "angelfish-like" appearance. The body is silver in color with irregular black vertical bands that fade gradually with age. The mouth is small, with the maxilla of adults ending beneath the nostrils. Specimens commonly weigh from 3 to 10 pounds (1.4 to 4.5 kg), although individuals as large as 20 pounds (9 kg) have been recorded. Their maximum length is about 36 inches (91 cm).

How To Catch: 

The Atlantic Spadefish has become a popular target species for sportfishermen due to their abundance and the strong fight they have for their size. A common method of catching involves using small pieces of clam on a small circle hook.

Where Found: 

Internationally

The Atlantic Spadefish is the only member of the family Ephippidae to reside in the western Atlantic Ocean. It is limited in range to the Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts south to southeastern Brazil, including the northern Gulf of Mexico. It is also found off Bermuda and throughout the Caribbean.

Quick Index

Back to Fish Wiki