West African spadefish
📖 Overview
West African spadefish (Chaetodipterus lippei), first described by Steindachner, 1895 is a medium-sized fish in the family Ephippidae (order Acanthuriformes). Adults typically reach 31.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 10 to 50 metres. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Ephippidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for West African spadefish is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for West African spadefish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; demersal; depth range 10 - 50 m , usually 10 - 50 m . Tropical Recorded from the Niger River estuary.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"West African spadefish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 226 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for West African spadefish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | West African Spadefish |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Vestafrikansk spadefisk |
| 🇫🇷French | Chèvre de Mer Noire |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Peixe-enxada-de-dorso-dourado |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Paguala Negra |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ephippus lippei | Steindachner | 1895 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 670 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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