Aluterus schoepfii (Walbaum, 1792)

Taxonomy and Identification

Orange filefish, the species Aluterus schoepfii (Walbaum, 1792), can be identified by its key physical characteristics.

Fin Structure

It has 2 dorsal spines and 29 to 32 dorsal soft rays. It has no anal spines, and has between 35 and 41 anal soft rays. The pelvic terminus is absent.

Coloration

Its body is covered in numerous small, round orange or orange-yellow spots, and its lips are often blackish in color.

Size

Adults can reach a maximum total length of around 61 to 62 centimetres, which equals 24 inches, though the most common size for mature individuals is 40 centimetres, or 16 inches.

Distribution

This species is distributed across two regions of the Atlantic Ocean. In the Western Atlantic, its range extends from Nova Scotia, through Bermuda and the northern Gulf of Mexico, all the way to Brazil. In the Eastern Atlantic, its range extends from Cape Blanc in Mauritania to Angola.

Depth Range

Orange filefish are benthic fish that live at depths between 3 and 900 metres, which is 10 to 2,953 feet, though they are most commonly found in shallow waters.

Habitat

They typically occur alone or in pairs over seagrass, sandy, or muddy seabeds.

Juvenile Habitat

Juvenile orange filefish are found associated with floating Sargassum.