Scientific Name:
Chaetodipterus faber
Common Name(s):
Paguala and often mistakenly called Angelfish.
Description:
The Atlantic Spadefish is a disk-shaped, silvery fish with about 4 or 5 black stripes on the sides that fade with age. The spiny and soft parts of the dorsal fin are nearly separated.
Similar Fish:
No close resemblance to other fish.
Feeding Habits:
The Atlantic Spadefish enjoys a diet of clams and jelly fish tentacles.
Range:
This fish is found from the New England coast down to Brazil and throughout the Gulf of Mexico.
Habitat:
The Atlantic Spadefish is found around natural and artificial reefs. Also located around navigational markers in 15-20 feet of water.
Typical Size:
Most catches are less than 2 pounds but they are know to reach sizes over 10 pounds.
World Record:
14 pounds, 0 ounces (IGFA)