Physical description:

Spadefish are usually identified by their deep and laterally compressed bodies, small mouths, blunt heads and pointed dorsal and anal fins. Adults are silver gray with three to six prominent black vertical bars along the sides. The first bar passes through the eye, and the last is on the caudal peduncle. Juvenile Spadefish are usually black and are frequently misidentified.

Biological description:

Atlantic spadefish are found schooling near coastal reefs, wrecks and pilings from New england to southern Brazil, including the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. Large spawning aggregations occur in the summer, although there is little information on the size of mature adults. The spadefish has been discribes as one of the most generalized reef fish in its food habits. The species feeds on plants, sponges, worms, crab and lobster found on reefs, bottom surfaces, mid-depths or at the surface.

South Atlantic Federal Regulations

(For areas three-200 miles off the coasts of NC, SC, GA, and East Florida)

Commercial:

Limited access permit required.

Recreational:

See recreational retention limits.