Description:
The Atlantic spadefish is a disc-shaped, compressed fish that grows to 3 feet in length.  Body color is silver to silver-brown with 4 - 6 black bands running vertically along the sides.  These bands tend to fade as the fish ages.  The anterior portion of the dorsal fin has 9 spines.  The leading edges of both the posterior dorsal fin and the anal fin are elongated and falcate.  The posterior edge of the caudal fin is concave. The opercule ends in a rounded point above the origin of the pectoral fins.  The mouth is small and terminal on the blunt snout. 

Habitat:
Atlantic spadefish inhabit shallow nearshore and estuarine waters to depths of approximately 20 feet.   They often utilize man-made structures such as floating docks and pilings for cover.  They are also found on coral reefs and wrecks.

Similar Species:
Spadefishes are similar in body form to the angelfishes, but are distinguished by having the spines of the dorsal fin separated from the soft rays, as can be seen in the illustration above.

Range:
Spadefishes range from Cape Cod south through Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.