🟦 Scrawled Filefish: The Quirky Camouflage Artist of Punta Cana
Among the many fascinating creatures you might spot while diving in Punta Cana, the Scrawled Filefish is one of the most distinct. With its elongated body, pencil-like snout, and vibrant blue-green patterns, this fish looks like it swam straight out of a cartoon.
But don’t let its quirky appearance fool you — the Scrawled Filefish is a master of camouflage and an important member of the coral reef ecosystem.
🐟 How to Identify a Scrawled Filefish
The Scrawled Filefish (Aluterus scriptus) is large for a reef fish and easy to spot when you know what to look for:
Slender, elongated body that can grow up to 3.5 feet (though most are smaller)
Distinctive blue “scrawled” lines and spots across a greenish, tan, or bluish body
A long, tapered snout
A soft, bristly skin instead of traditional fish scales
A dorsal spine near its head that can be raised when threatened
Despite their size, they’re surprisingly good at blending in — often drifting near soft corals and sea fans where they’re easily overlooked.
🌊 Behavior & Habitat
Scrawled Filefish are mostly solitary, though they’re sometimes seen in pairs. They move slowly and gracefully, using their small dorsal and anal fins in a side-to-side motion that resembles drifting seaweed — helping them avoid predators.
You’ll find them:
Cruising around coral reefs and rocky outcrops
Hovering near soft corals and sponges
Occasionally hiding in seagrass beds
They feed on a variety of reef organisms, including sponges, soft corals, algae, and tunicates — making them a key part of the reef's food web.
📍 Where to Spot Scrawled Filefish in Punta Cana
Scrawled Filefish are spotted occasionally on dives around:
Cabeza de Toro's deeper reef edges
Catalina Island's coral gardens
Bayahibe on reef plateaus and sloping sandy bottoms
Shallower reef dives with abundant soft coral
They aren’t as common as angelfish or parrotfish, but spotting one is a treat — they often seem curious about divers and may linger just long enough for a good photo.
📸 Photography Tip
Move slowly and calmly — filefish are cautious but can be curious.
Use natural light or a wide beam, as they reflect beautifully.
Their patterns are best captured from the side and slightly above.
💡 Fun Fact
The Scrawled Filefish gets its name from the random blue markings that look like someone scribbled on its skin. Each fish has a slightly different pattern, making them easy to recognize once you’ve seen one up close.
💙 Why We Love the Scrawled Filefish
At Grand Bay of the Sea, our guides always keep an eye out for these unusual reef residents. Their combination of size, grace, and camouflage makes them one of the most unique photo subjects — and guests always love learning about them.
Whether you’re snorkeling or diving, keep your eyes peeled near soft corals — you might be lucky enough to spot a Scrawled Filefish slowly drifting past.
