Spadefish

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There are approximately 20 species of spadefish worldwide, so called as their bodies look like the spade on playing cards. There is only one native species in Floridian waters, the Atlantic Spadefish, Chaetodipterus faberis. This is a very distinctive fish with several dark bars along the length of its body.


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The Atlantic Spadefish live in schools of up to 500 fish in shallow waters (<100 feet) on wrecks, reefs, and mangroves. They are often curious of divers and seem to be attracted to their bubbles. They are bottom feeders, feeding primarily on worms, crabs, sponges, and occasionally plankton.


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Photo by Debi Buck

The eyes of adult Atlantic Spadefish are located amongst the vertical bands as a method of camouflage. Juveniles are almost completely black in color, and often swim at an odd angle, or drift on the surface, disguising themselves as dead leaves or debris to avoid predation.


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Close up of an Atlantic Spadefish, Chaetodipterus faberis

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School of Atlantic Spadefish, schools like this are often spotted around shipwrecks
Photo by Debi Buck