African spadefish (Tripterodon orbis)

Latin name

Tripterodon orbis

Other name

Tripterodon orbis

Identification

This species is the only known member of the genus Tripterodon.

The African spadefish has a rounded body, strongly flattened on the sides, with high, symmetrical, triangular dorsal and anal fins. The mouth is small. There are no teeth on the palate and coulter. There is a comb-like row of large, blunt gill rays in the supra-gill rakers.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19 - 21; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 15 - 17. 

Fish colouring

African spadefish have a silvery brown colouring with dark horizontal stripes that fade as they grow.

Distribution

Widespread along the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean east of India and Sri Lanka to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 

Habitat

A marine tropical species associated with reefs. Depth range from 40 to 70 metres.

Size

This species can reach a length of 75 centimetres, although its normal length is 30 centimetres.

Behavior

It lives in coastal waters around reefs.  

Food and feeding habits

Feeds on organisms living on rocks and corals.

Reproduction

African spadefish are egg-laying, pelagic spawning fish.

Fishing

This species is important for local commercial fishing.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. The flesh of these fish is edible.