Domain Eukaryota Phylum Chordata Superclass Osteichthyes Scientific name Chaetodipterus faber Rank Species | Kingdom Animalia Subphylum Vertebrata Order Perciformes Higher classification Chaetodipterus | |
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Similar Ephippidae, Orbicular batfish, Platax, Southern sheeps head, Lane snapper | ||
The Atlantic spadefish (Chaetodipterus faber) is a species of marine fish endemic to the western Atlantic Ocean. They are commonly found in shallow waters off the coast of the southeastern United States, Gulf of Mexico, and in the Caribbean.
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Due to their reputation as strong fighters, they are popular game fish, especially during the summer months when they are most active.
Naming and taxonomy
The Atlantic spadefish is known by numerous colloquial names, including angelfish, white angelfish, threetailed porgy, ocean cobbler, and moonfish.
The Atlantic spadefish belongs to the genus Chaetodipterus, which includes two other species: the West African spadefish (Chaetodipterus lippei) and the Pacific spadefish (Chaetodipterus zonatus). The Chaetodipterus genus belongs to the Ephippidae family, which includes spadefish and batfish.
Description
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).
Sport fishing
The Atlantic spadefish has become a popular target species for sportfishermen due to their abundance and the strong fight they have for their size. They are good table fare, especially if smoked or grilled. A common method of catching involves using small pieces of clam on a small circle hook.