Filefish
MonacanthidaeOften overlooked, filefish hover near gorgonians or seagrass, relying on camouflage rather than speed. Their rough, sandpaper-like skin and independent eye movement make them quirky subjects for patient photographers.
Last updated April 2026
Scrawled filefishAluterus scriptus2 photos
A large, laterally flattened fish covered in blue scribble-like markings on an olive body. Long dorsal fin runs almost the full body length.
Swims slowly near reef walls or drifts in open water — occasionally seen resting vertically, head-down, mimicking debris.
© Jouni Kuisma
© Jouni Kuisma
Observed at
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