Fin's Fish Guide
The African spadefish (Ephippus goreensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ephippidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The African spadefish is a deep, disc-shaped fish of the family Ephippidae (spadefishes) reaching about 30 cm. The strongly compressed, silvery-grey body bears several faint, dark cross-bands and has a short, blunt snout with a small mouth. The species forms schools over sand and mud bottoms of coastal water and estuaries along the West African coast and tolerates brackish water. It is an omnivore eating small invertebrates, worms and some algae and growth. With its tasty flesh it is landed by the coastal fishery. It is the only spadefish of the temperate eastern Atlantic coast.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African spadefish?
The African spadefish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Deep, disc-shaped little silvery fish with a few dark vertical bars and a short snout; forms shoals over soft bottoms.
Where does the African spadefish live?
The African spadefish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the African spadefish get?
The African spadefish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the African spadefish dangerous to humans?
No, the African spadefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the African spadefish edible?
Yes, the African spadefish is commonly eaten.
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Same genus Ephippus
More from the family Ephippidae
Want the complete picture on the African spadefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African spadefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.