scubaseason
Least Concern· population trend unknown· assessed 2015

Atlantic Spadefish

Chaetodipterus faber

Sighting evidence at El Farallón, María la Gorda

Atlantic Spadefish

Photo: Brian Gratwicke · CC BY

Schools of 50 to 300 individuals hover directly above the pinnacle summit, maintaining position against the mild upwelling current by swimming just fast enough to stay in place. Their habit of approaching divers closely makes El Farallón one of the most immersive spadefish encounters in Cuba. At certain times of year the schools converge into a single spiralling column that briefly blocks out the sun from below.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Atlantic Spadefish is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites