Fin's Fish Guide
The West African spadefish (Chaetodipterus lippei) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ephippidae that grows up to 31 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The West African spadefish is a deep, disc-shaped fish of the family Ephippidae (spadefishes) reaching about 31 cm. The strongly compressed, silvery-grey body bears several dark cross-bands and has a small, 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. Young fish, with their dark bands, sometimes mimic drifting leaves as camouflage. With its tasty flesh it is landed by the coastal fishery.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the West African spadefish?
The West African spadefish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Deep, disc-shaped, silvery-grey little fish with a few dark vertical bars and a small snout mouth; forms shoals over soft bottoms.
Where does the West African spadefish live?
The West 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 West African spadefish get?
The West African spadefish grows to a maximum of about 31 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the West African spadefish dangerous to humans?
No, the West African spadefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the West African spadefish edible?
Yes, the West African spadefish is commonly eaten.
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Same genus Chaetodipterus
More from the family Ephippidae
Want the complete picture on the West African spadefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the West African spadefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.