Scribbled Filefish

The Scribbled Filefish is one of the largest filefish species in the world, found in tropical and subtropical waters across the globe. Its elongated, laterally compressed body is adorned with an intricate network of irregular blue-green scribbled lines and spots over an olive-brown to grayish base, creating a pattern that looks as though an artist took a pen to its skin. Blue spots and short dashes cover the head and body, and the tail fin is characteristically long and broom-like, earning it the alternate name Broomtail Filefish.

In the wild, the Scribbled Filefish is a pelagic species often found near floating debris, sargassum weed mats, and offshore reefs. Juveniles are commonly encountered drifting with flotsam and are far more colorful and manageable than the large adults. It feeds on a wide variety of organisms including algae, seagrass, hydroids, gorgonians, anemones, tunicates, and various invertebrates. Its broad diet and circumtropical distribution make it one of the most adaptable filefish species.

Due to its large adult size of up to 20 inches, the Scribbled Filefish requires a very spacious aquarium and is best suited for public aquaria or very large home systems. While juveniles are attractive and relatively easy to keep, prospective owners must plan for the fish's substantial growth. This species is not reef-safe, as it will consume a wide range of invertebrates and coral polyps. Despite its size, it is generally peaceful toward other fish and can be kept with other large, non-aggressive tankmates.