Scrawled Filefish

Scrawled Filefish

Aluterus scriptus

Least Concern

Image generated by artificial intelligence

DESCRIPTION

The Scrawled Filefish often drifts with its snout pointed straight toward the sea floor, swaying gently to imitate a loose blade of sea grass. It can also rapidly lighten or darken its background color, helping it vanish against surrounding rocks whenever a predator approaches.

Max Length 110 cm
Max Weight 2.5 kg
Lifespan 5 - 6
Habitat Coastal zone, open water, and coral reef
Depth Range 3 - 120 m
Diet Omnivore
Activity Diurnal
Social Behavior Solitary

Destinations to spot Scrawled Filefish

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely
Range

Where Scrawled Filefish has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Scrawled Filefish

Where can you see the Scrawled Filefish?

The Scrawled Filefish can be seen at 8 dive destinations in 7 countries. The best spots include Addu Atoll (Maldives), Canary Islands (Spain), Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), Great Barrier Reef (Australia), and Hurghada (Egypt).

Where can you see the Scrawled Filefish in Australia?

In Australia, you can see the Scrawled Filefish at Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo reef.

Where can you see the Scrawled Filefish in Maldives?

In Maldives, you can see the Scrawled Filefish at Addu Atoll.

Where can you see the Scrawled Filefish in Spain?

In Spain, you can see the Scrawled Filefish at Canary Islands.

How big does the Scrawled Filefish get?

The Scrawled Filefish can reach up to 110 cm in length and 2.5 kg in weight.

What habitat does the Scrawled Filefish live in?

The Scrawled Filefish is found in these habitats: coastal zone, open water, and coral reef.

How deep does the Scrawled Filefish live?

The Scrawled Filefish lives between 3 and 120 m deep.

What does the Scrawled Filefish eat?

Eats both plant and animal matter, which lets it adapt its diet to whatever the habitat offers.

When is the Scrawled Filefish most active?

Active during daylight hours. Morning and midday dives are your best chance to see it moving and feeding.

Does the Scrawled Filefish live in groups?

No. The Scrawled Filefish is mostly solitary and is usually seen on its own.

What is the conservation status of the Scrawled Filefish?

The Scrawled Filefish is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Scrawled Filefish. Spotted something that looks off?

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