Spadefishes
Home » Encyclopedia » Marine Life » Ray-finned Fishes » Spadefishes
Spadefishes, members of the Ephippidae family, are distinguished by their distinctive, deep, and laterally compressed bodies, featuring a prominent sail-like dorsal fin that gives them a spade-like appearance. Found in warm coastal waters, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, these agile swimmers exhibit striking coloration and often gather in schools. Ranging in size and inhabiting diverse environments such as coral reefs and rocky areas, spadefishes are known for their specialized mouths adapted for feeding on small invertebrates, zooplankton, and algae. Popular among recreational anglers for their size and fight, spadefishes contribute to the vibrant diversity of marine ecosystems with their unique traits and behaviors.