Aluterus scriptus is one of the largest filefishes, similar to A. monoceros; however, A. monoceros has a convex dorsal head profile, a bulbous ventral head profile, a much smaller caudal peduncle depth, and a much shorter caudal fin.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 1 m
color
Olive brown to grey with irregular blue spots and short lines and small black spots.
This species is typically found in lagoons or on the outer slopes of reefs, reaching depths of up to 20 meters. It is a shy and solitary creature, though it can sometimes be seen in small groups. Its diet consists of a wide range of benthic organisms, such as algae, sea grasses, hydrozoans, gorgonians, anemones and tunicates.
distinctive characters
The dorsal fin has two detached spines and 43-49 rays, with the first dorsal spine originating over the eye. The anal fin has 46-52 rays, the pectoral fin has 13-15 rays, and the body is elongated and very compressed. The profile of the snout is concave, the mouth is small and upturned, the caudal peduncle is deeper than long, and the caudal fin is rounded and long (longer than the head), with a ragged posterior edge.