Atlantic Spadefish
Chaetodipterus faber
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Expert |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Omnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 300 gallons+ |
| Max Size | 24 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
Atlantic Spadefish (Chaetodipterus faber) is a deep-bodied, silver fish with bold black vertical bands and long, trailing fins that give it an angelfish-like outline. Juveniles often “flutter” and drift like floating debris, while adults become confident open-water cruisers. Known to reach around 3 feet in length, this is a standout choice for very large, public-aquarium-scale marine displays.
What You’ll Observe:
- Smooth, gliding swimming with frequent turns that show off its tall profile
- Juvenile “leaf-like” drifting motion, especially near the surface and structure
- A fish that settles into open-water routines and often tracks the room and the keeper
- Strong interest during feeding, with active midwater picking and circling passes
- Band contrast that can look sharper or softer depending on age, lighting, and mood
Provide a very large marine system with long open lanes for cruising, strong gas exchange, and stable parameters. Offer a varied omnivore menu (meaty frozen foods plus algae-based items) in multiple small feedings so it stays active and filled out. In big systems, it’s especially engaging when given space to move naturally and share the water column with other calm, large fish.
Is the “leaf drifting” swim style normal for juveniles?
Yes’many juveniles hover, tilt, and flutter in place, especially around surface structure, and it often becomes less pronounced as they mature.
Do they stay strongly striped as they grow?
They commonly show bold vertical bands when young, and many fish develop lighter, less-defined banding with age and under different lighting.
Do Atlantic Spadefish prefer to be alone or with others?
Many keepers report the most natural-looking behavior when they can interact with other open-water fish rather than being the only large midwater swimmer.
Will it take prepared foods quickly once introduced?
Most adjust best when offered a mix of small, easy-to-catch items (like finely chopped frozen foods) at consistent times, then broadened to pellets and algae-based foods.
Why does the same fish sometimes look darker or lighter?
Color and contrast can shift with mood, background, and light cycle; brief changes are commonly observed during acclimation and when the tank environment changes.
Shipped with pure oxygen and temperature control so it arrives stress-free and ready to eat.
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