Scribbled Leatherjacket Filefish

Aluterus scriptus

Also known as: Broomtail File, Broomtail Filefish, Leatherjacket, Scrawled Leatherjacket, Scribbled Filefish, Scribbled Fish, Scribbled Leatherjacket, Scribbled Leatherjacket Filefish, Scrolled Filefish, Tobaccofish, Scrawled Filefish

ALSO KNOWN AS

Broomtail File
Broomtail Filefish
Leatherjacket
Scrawled Leatherjacket
Scribbled Filefish
Scribbled Fish
Scribbled Leatherjacket
Scribbled Leatherjacket Filefish
Scrolled Filefish
Tobaccofish
Scrawled Filefish

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2015

Add a photo

Scribbled Leatherjacket Filefish adult, photographed at Mirihi, Maldives — @fishx6 · Mirihi, Maldives · August 20071 / 40

Overview

Found singly, over deep coastal slopes, and outer reef drop-offs, of lagoons and seaward reefs.

This is the largest of Filefish in the species.
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.

How to identify

COLOURS

Pattern: black blotches black spot blotches blue lines lines spots
Behaviour: camouflaged changes colour solitary

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

Habitat & where to find it

Range · Circumtropical
Exact location · 3
Country only · 37

LIVES IN

Found singly, over deep coastal slopes, and outer reef drop-offs, of lagoons and seaward reefs.

RANGE

Circumtropical

Adult photos 40

Discussion 4

4 comments

miuwu· 20 Apr 2017
Videotaped this guy in Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, HI on April 18, 2017 I was actually videotaping myself when he photobombed me almost hitting me. Guess he was wondering what I was doing LOL
Helpful· 1
Sandra Andersen· 16 Jan 2015
I caught one off Tom Harbours Bridge in Marathon, Florida Keys in March 2014.I can email any pictures if you need just email me an address
Helpful· 1
LIOR· 7 Apr 2014
is this fish edible?
Helpful· 1
fishx6Top Contributor· 21 Apr 2014
Aparently yes - http://fishdb.sinica.edu.tw/eng/species.php?science=Aluterus%20scriptus
Helpful