Description

Also known as Leatherjacket, Tobaccofish.

Found singly, pairs, or in schools, over mud, sand, and seagrass beds, of reefs.
They feed on algae and seagrass.
Juveniles found floating with Sargassum rafts.
Length - 60cm
Depth - 3-900m
Widespread Eastern Atlantic, Western Atlantic, Caribbean

Filefish can alter their colour and pattern to match their surrounds and so deter predators.
Although closely related to the Triggerfish, their "trigger spine" cannot be locked into place. Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Aluterus-schoepfii.html