English: Spadefishes; 1 family, Ephippidae.
Genera: 8; 20 species.
Region: Atlantic.
Habitat: marine; reef-dwelling.
Use: aquarium fish; popular sport fishing.
ZoologyFish; eyes are often located in one of the vertical bands as a method of camouflage.
Form: spade-shaped; laterally compressed.
Fins: very symmetrical, triangular dorsal and anal fins; some have long, trailing, pointed dorsal and anal fins.
Color: shiny silver with areas of yellow and vertical brown or black banding.
Food: algae, small invertebrates.
FamiliesDrepaneidae: Drepane
Ephippidae: 8 genera
Moronidae: Dicentrarchus, Morone