| Spadefishes are deep-bodied, disk-shaped schooling fishes that are similar in appearance to angelfishes. They differ from angelfishes by having a spinous dorsal fin separate from a soft dorsal fin. Angelfish have only one dorsal fin with both spines and soft rays. There is only one species in our area, the Atlantic spadefish. They tend to frequent rocky areas, reefs, wrecks and pilings. The young may be seen floating on the surface, mimicking leaves or other debris. They are an excellent food fish but not sought after commercially in Texas. They are, however, popular with anglers and spear fishermen. |
