Atlantic Spadefish

Appearance:

• A silvery fish with 4 to 6 black vertical bands on each side which sometimes become obscure in larger fish
• Deep, flattened body
• Separated first and second dorsal fins
• Concave caudal fin
• Anterior rays of second dorsal fin and anal fin are elongated

Habitat: Inshore and nearshore speices, these fish are found around natural and artificial reefs; especially near navigation markers in 15 to 20 feet of water.

Behavior: Atlantic spadefish spawn in the spring and summer and travels in large schools.  Small juveniles are almost totally black and are known to drift on their sides and mimic floating debris.  These fish feed on crustaceans, small encrusting invertebrates, and may nibble on tentacles of jellyfish.