Species guide
How to catch Scrawled Filefish
Aluterus scriptus
saltwatergame fishMonacanthidae
The Scrawled Filefish is a striking saltwater species notable for its patterned body and compact shape. It inhabits reef areas and sometimes associates with floating debris. This fish feeds on a diverse diet including algae, invertebrates, and small marine plants.
Where they live
Found in lagoon and seaward reefs across the Atlantic, typically between 3 and 120 meters deep. Sometimes seen near floating objects in open water.
Typical size
Up to about 110 cm
What they eat
- algae
- seagrass
- hydrozoans
- gorgonians
- colonial anemones
- tunicates
- benthic invertebrates
Best baits
- pieces of shrimp
- small marine worms
- algae-based bait
Best lures
- soft plastic jigs
- weedless hooks
- small natural-colored lures
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- light jigging near reefs
- drift fishing around floating objects
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