| Atlantic spadefish[1] | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Superclass: | Osteichthyes |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Suborder: | Acanthuroidei |
| Family: | Ephippidae |
| Genus: | Chaetodipterus |
| Species: | C. faber |
| Binomial name | |
| Chaetodipterus faber (Broussonet, 1782) |
|
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 and in the Caribbean.[2]
Due to their reputation as strong fighters, they are popular game fish, especially during the summer months when they are most active.[3][4]
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The Atlantic spadefish is known by numerous colloquial names, including angelfish, white angelfish, threetailed porgy, ocean cobbler, and moonfish.[5][6]
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).[7] The Chaetodipterus genus belongs to the Ephippidae family, which includes spadefish and batfish.
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.[2] Specimens commonly weigh from three to ten pounds, although individuals as large as twenty pounds have been recorded.[2][4] Their maximum length is about 3 feet (0.9 meters).[2]
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.