Description

Also known as Leatherjacket, Speckled Filefish.

Found singly, or in pairs, drifting vertically and blending in with their surroundings, amongst floating flotsam and seaweeds, in off-shore areas close to islands.
They feed on small invertebrates and plants.
Juveniles found with floating seaweeds.
Length - 20cm
Depth - 0-80m
Widespread Western Atlantic, Caribbean, Indo-Pacific

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/1195