Atlantic Spadefish
Scientific Name: Chaetodipterus faber
These relatively common inhabitants of the western Atlantic Ocean are found from the coast of Massachusetts down to southeastern Brazil. Named for the appearance of their "spade-shaped" bodies, these fish are silvery grey in color with several thick, black stripes running vertically down their bodies.
Growing to lengths of 1-3 feet and weighs of up to 20lbs at maturity, Atlantic spadefish are schooling animals. They are often seen in groups of up to 500 fish.
Fun Facts:
- Atlantic spadefish have a very diverse diet. They feed primarily on coral, anemones, worms, mollusks, crustaceans and plankton.
- In an attempt to camouflage themselves from predators, juvenile spadefish in coastal environments will often disguise themselves as leaves by floating, motionless, through the water.
- Atlantic spadefish have been witnessed in water as shallow as 10 feet deep. They have also been seen in water up to 115 feet deep.
- Feeling the most comfortable near underwater reefs, spadefish are usually seen congregating near shipwrecks, oil platforms and coral reefs.
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