Scribbled Leatherjacket

(Aluterus scriptus)

Aluterus Filefish should be added to well established aquariums with plenty of room to swim. Filefish are slow swimmers, an aquarium with low water flow is required. Plenty of rock work with caves, cracks and crevices should be provided for grazing and hiding. Filefish feed mainly on algae and seagrasses. Provide a diet rich in algae based foods which should be fed twice daily. Filefish are generally shy and should only be housed with other peaceful fish. If threatened Filefish are capable of grinding their front teeth together creating a low growling sound.

Scribbled Leatherjacket are also sometimes known as Scrawled or Broomtail Leatherjacket. Not often seen in the aquarium trade. Scribbled Leatherjacket can vary in coloration depending on their background color. Mainly an olive brown to gray with blue stripes and spots and black spots on their head. Scribbled Leatherjacket can grow to a little over 22".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 250 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietHerbivoreHerbivore DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightMediumMedium