scubaseason
Least Concern· population trend unknown· assessed 2015

Atlantic Spadefish

Chaetodipterus faber

Sighting evidence at Caribsea, North Carolina

Atlantic Spadefish

Photo: Brian Gratwicke · CC BY

Atlantic spadefish dominate the upper water column above the Caribsea from June through September, sometimes numbering in the thousands in a single school. Their striking black and white vertical bands and compressed disc-shaped body make them immediately recognisable, and they show minimal fear of divers. Spadefish feed primarily on jellyfish, tunicates, and small invertebrates drifting above the wreck structure.

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