Was 38 miles off the coast of North Carolina 2 weeks ago at depth of 110-120 ft.
A school of Spade fish appeared to be feeding on something on the bottom. Could not make out what they were getting.
The bottom was course, sandy, near one of the shipwrecks...forgotten which one.
They were moving in a large circle. They would dive 10-20 ft to the bottom, turning sideways to hit the bottom with their mouth and keeping their body out of the way. With the low angle of attack, seemed they were scooping some of the bottom then spitting out the sand. Then they would proceed on in the circular path, forward then back over, for another run. At least 20-30 fish doing it, making a big circle that continuously spun. The circle slowly moved forward across the bottom.
They would all hit the bottom 4-5 times then all take a break for a bit, then all go for it again as if on cue.
Reminded me of watching Manta's circle feed going to the surface, but in reverse and with a school of fish.
Any idea what the Spades might have been eating? They were 'cleaning' a space maybe 20 ft wide and 40-50 ft long, more or less.
If I had not been so awe struck, would have been a good video with the D90. Camera was on, brain was not.
