Atlantic Spadefish
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A voracious eater likely to outgrow even the largest home aquarium. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
Although related to the finicky Pinnate Batfish, this species usually eats voraciously in the home aquarium, getting far too large: 3 ft. (91 cm) and up to 19.8 lb. (9 kg). It is also much too active to squeeze into most home aquariums. Have a large frying pan ready if you buy one.
Family: Ephippidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Habitat: Open water in shallow areas, where it forms impressive schools sometimes numbering in the hundreds.
Maximum length: 91 cm (36 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 1.893 L (1 gal)
Water: Marine 22 °C (295 K, 72 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
General swimming level: Midwater to bottom.
[edit] Feeding
Omnivore. Feeds on smaller fishes and benthic invertebrates in the wild. Offer meaty foods and herbivore rations.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Will eat many types of sessile invertebrates, including some corals and anemones.
[edit] Notes
Wild-caught adults are associated with ciguatera poisoning in humans who eat them.
| Common name | Atlantic Spadefish + |
| Family | Ephippidae + |
| Genus | Chaetodipterus + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Maximum length | 36 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 1 gal + |
| Native range | Western Atlantic +, and Gulf of Mexico + |
| Reference | 101 Best Saltwater Fishes + |
| Specific name | faber + |
| Swimming level | Midwater to bottom. + |
| Text credit | SWM + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 295 K (22 °C, 72 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |