Scrawled Filefish
Aluterus scriptus
Scrawled Filefish is a large tropical-to-subtropical filefish of reefs, seagrass beds, and offshore drift lines. It is a slow, deep-bodied grazer that often bites poorly on hooks and is usually taken incidentally rather than targeted.
Identification points
- Very deep, oval body with a small mouth and pointed snout
- Long, high second dorsal spine and long soft dorsal/anal fins
- Mottled brown to olive body marked with irregular pale lines and blotches, often like scribbles
Habitat
Warm saltwater over coral reefs, rocky reefs, seagrass beds, lagoon edges, and floating Sargassum or other weed lines; adults also occur around offshore structure and open water near the surface.
Bait notes
Not a common sport target. Small кусok shrimp, squid strips, cut bait, or tiny jigs can tempt one when it is actively feeding; small soft plastics or flies stripped through weed lines may also work.
Behavior
Usually solitary or in loose pairs; feeds mainly on algae, sea grasses, hydroids, and small invertebrates. It is deliberate, laterally compressed, and can be curious around weed lines but is not a strong, sustained fighter.
Caution
Saltwater species; flesh is generally not a common target and is often poor table fare, with ciguatera risk possible in some tropical reef areas. Handle carefully because the rough skin and sharp dorsal/anal spines can cause abrasions.
Fishing notes
Drift or slow-troll along weed lines, reefs, and surface structure with very small natural baits or light lures. Use light tackle and small hooks; many hookups are tentative, so keep pressure steady and expect short runs rather than long battles.