Scrawled Filefish
Aluterus scriptus
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Expert |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Bold |
| Reef Safe | No |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Omnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 300 gallons+ |
| Max Size | 24 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Scrawled Filefish (Aluterus scriptus), also called the broomtail filefish or scribbled leatherjacket, is a large-bodied filefish with irregular blue “scribble” markings that can shift in intensity as it moves through different backgrounds. It’s best suited to very large marine systems where its cruising swimming style and browsing behavior can be fully observed.
What You’ll Observe:
- Slow, steady laps through open water with frequent pauses to inspect rockwork
- Quick color and pattern changes during feeding, lighting changes, or social moments
- Short “pecking” bites at surfaces as it grazes and samples the environment
- A habit of settling in by pressing close to rockwork and holding position in place
- Curious interactions at the front glass, especially around feeding time
To help your filefish settle in, provide lots of open swimming room plus sturdy rock structures it can investigate and rest alongside. Offer a varied menu in smaller portions more than once per day, and include a consistent algae/seaweed option so its browsing routine stays active.
Why does this fish change color so much?
It can shift its base color and contrast to better match its surroundings, so the same fish may look very different over sand, rock, or darker back walls.
Is it normal for a Scrawled Filefish to “brace” itself on rockwork or objects?
Yes—many keepers notice filefish using surfaces to help hold position, especially when resting or settling into a preferred spot.
How do hobbyists keep them looking “filled out” instead of thin?
Smaller meals given more often tends to work best, since many filefish browse throughout the day rather than eating one large meal.
Will it usually accept prepared foods once acclimated?
Many do, especially when offered a mix of frozen items alongside pellets or gel-style foods so it learns multiple textures and feeding cues.
What should I plan for as it matures?
Even if purchased smaller, it’s a fast-upgrading type of fish—plan your long-term layout around open swimming lanes and a system that can comfortably house a large, active browser.
Shipped with pure oxygen and temperature control so it arrives stress-free and ready to eat.
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