How to Identify Pacific Spadefish

To identify Pacific Spadefish (Chaetodipterus zonatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Silvery-white to light gray body with 4-6 prominent, dark vertical bands. The bands tend to fade with age, especially in larger adults. Fins are typically dusky.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Deep, disc-shaped body, High, pointed dorsal and anal fins in juveniles, becoming more rounded with age, Small, terminal mouth, Large, ctenoid scales

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first with 8-9 spines, the second with 1 spine and 19-22 soft rays. The soft dorsal fin is high and rounded.

Tail fin

Caudal fin is emarginate to slightly forked.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively small.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin has 3 spines and 15-18 soft rays, similar in shape to the soft dorsal fin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the very deep, compressed, and disc-like body, characteristic of spadefishes.

2. 2

   Coloration and Bands

   Observe the silvery body with 4-6 distinct dark vertical bands. Note that these bands may fade in larger, older individuals.

3. 3

   Fin Shape

   In juveniles, the dorsal and anal fins are very high and pointed, almost resembling a bat's wing. These become more rounded in adults.

4. 4

   Mouth

   The mouth is small and terminal, suitable for picking at small invertebrates and algae.

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