Atlantic Spadefish

Atlantic Spadefish (Chaetodipterus faber) is a peaceful to semi-aggressive species that is reef-safe with caution as juveniles may nip at soft corals and large polyp stony corals, while adults are generally well-behaved around invertebrates. This striking species displays a tall, diamond-shaped silver body with distinctive black vertical bars that fade and intensify with mood and maturity, plus dramatically elongated dorsal and anal fins that create an elegant, flowing silhouette. Juveniles show more pronounced banding and slightly different proportions, while adults develop a more refined appearance with subtle coloration changes. It can reach about 36 inches in adult size. Best kept in tanks of at least 300 gallons or more due to their massive adult size and active swimming nature, with plenty of open water column space, strong filtration, stable water parameters, and consideration that this species requires enormous long-term commitment due to its size potential. Its diet should include a mix of live or frozen meaty foods—shrimp, squid, fish, marine worms—as well as high-quality marine pellets and vegetable matter, as this omnivorous species benefits from varied nutrition including algae and plant-based foods.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.