Atlantic Spadefish (Chaetodipterus
faber)
| Description: silvery with 4 to 6 vertical bands on
each side which sometimes become obscure in larger fish; deep, flattened body; separate
fist and second dorsal fins; concave caudal fin; anterior rays of second dorsal fin and
anal fin elongated.
Similar fish: no close resemblances, but
frequently and mistakenly called angelfish. |
 |
| Where found: INSHORE and NEARSHORE, around natural
and artificial reefs, and especially near navigation markers in 15 to 20 feet water.
Size: most catches less than 2 pounds, known to reach 15 pounds. |
Remarks: spawns in spring and summer; travels in
large schools; small juveniles almost totally black, known to drift on their sides and
mimic floating debris; feeds on crustaceans, small encrusting invertebrates, and may
nibble on tentacles of jellyfish. |
