Florida Sportfishing Species
Spadefish
Family Ephippidae
ATLANTIC SPADEFISH
Description: Silvery 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 elongated.
Similar Fish: No close resemblances, but frequently and mistakenly called angelfish.
Where found: INSHORE and NEARSHORE, around natural and artificial reefs, and especially near navigation markers in 15 to 20 feet of water.
Size: Most catches less than 2 pounds, known to reach 15 pounds.
Remarks: Spawns in spring and summer; travels in large schools; small juveniles almost totally black, known to drift on their sides and mimic floating debris; feeds on crustaceans, small encrusting invertebrates, and may nibble on tentacles of jellyfish.
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