Atlantic Spadefish

(Chaetodipterus faber)

Overview

Atlantic spadefish aren't doing a lot of digging. Their disk-like bodies, short snouts and tapered fins give them a spade-like appearance, though. The species is known for its silvery color and four to six vertical stripes that gradually fade with age. Juveniles start out much darker in coloration, sometimes looking more like dead leaves than live fish—especially when they swim on their sides to mimic floating debris. This physical and behavioral camouflage helps them blend in in mangrove and beach habitats.

You can see Atlantic spadefish of different ages at the Aquarium. Young juveniles live in the Assateague Beach section of Maryland: Mountains to the Sea. As they grow, aquarists move them to habitats in Living Seashore, and finally, into Atlantic Coral Reef. These moves mimic the typical habitat shifts Atlantic spadefish experience in the ocean.

Quick Facts

Learn more about the Atlantic spadefish! Did you know it is the only spadefish species found in the western Atlantic? Most other spadefish species live in the Pacific and Indian Ocean basins.

Atlantic spadefish can be found in shallower waters from Massachusetts in the U.S. to the southern coast of Brazil, and throughout the Caribbean.

Atlantic spadefish prey on bottom-dwelling invertebrates, such as crustaceans, mollusks, and worms, as well as plankton and detritus.

Adult Atlantic spadefish are typically 1.5 to 2 feet long and weigh between 3 and 10 pounds.

Atlantic spadefish are common throughout their range. They are increasingly sought after by anglers and becoming popular with home aquarists but are considered a species of least concern by the IUCN Red List.

Atlantic spadefish fall prey to both small and large sharks, as well as predatory fish like grouper.

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