Aluterus scriptus

Behavior:

Scrawled filefish are commonly found on offshore reefs. They are active during the day, feeding on algae, seagrass, hydrozoans, soft corals and anemones. Juveniles sometimes drift with sargassum mats, which explains how this species is found throughout the tropics and on many non-tropical reefs.

Predators:

Barracuda, mahi mahi and large tuna.

Did you know?

When threatened, scrawled filefish dive into reef cracks and crevices, wedging themselves in by erecting spines on their head and belly. This behavior is also used when the filefish rests on the reef at night.