Atlantic spadefish
| Atlantic spadefish[1] | |
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| Species: | C. faber
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| Chaetodipterus faber (Broussonet, 1782)
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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]
Naming and taxonomy
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.
Description
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 3 to 10 pounds (1.4 to 4.5 kg), although individuals as large as 20 pounds (9 kg) have been recorded.[2][4] Their maximum length is about 36 inches (91 cm).[2]
Sport fishing
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.
References
- ^ "Chaetodipterus faber". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 25 June 2008.
- ^ a b c d Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Chaetodipterus faber". FishBase. June 2008 version.
- ^ Burleson, Jeff (19 June 2006). "Aces of Spades". South Carolina Sportsman.
Sometimes referred to as 'bluegills on steroids,' spadefish are one of the hardest-fighting fish in the ocean, compared pound-for-pound to other fish of similar size.
- ^ a b Ward, Artemas (1911). "Angel fish". The Grocer's Encyclopedia. New York.
{{cite encyclopedia}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ "Common Names of Chaetodipterus faber". FishBase. Retrieved 25 June 2008.
- ^ Cassidy, Frederic Gomes (2003). Dictionary of American Regional English. Harvard University Press. p. 288.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ "Chaetodipterus". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 25 June 2008.