Filefish

Monacanthidae

Often 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

Species

Scrawled filefish

Aluterus scriptus(2 photos)

Least ConcernUp to 110 cm3–40mRocky reefCoral reefOpen water

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.

Observed at

El Bajón(El Hierro)El Río(El Hierro)

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