How to Identify White Spotted Filefish

White spotted filefish are exciting to see when snorkeling or scuba diving in the ocean while on vacation. Just as a chameleon has the ability to adapt its color to the color in its environment, white spotted filefish have a similar trick. By learning more about them in advance you can know how to identify white spotted filefish when you see them.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scuba gear or snorkeling gear

1. Examining the color of white spotted filefish is the most important thing to do when trying to identify them. They have the ability to turn the white spots on their body off and on. When the white spots are off, the fish will have a two-color appearance to its body without any spots present. One side will be bright orange, while the other side will appear brown. These colors are still present when the spots are turned on, although they fade to lighter shades as the spots become the prominent characteristic for the fish.

2. The mouth of the white spotted filefish can also be used to aid in identification. It is small and turns upward, which reveals the teeth present inside the mouth. Unlike other parts of it that appear yellow or brown, the end of the mouth is grey or white.

3. Size is also something to consider when trying to identify white spotted filefish. They are considered to be large fish since they range in size from 10 to 15 inches in length. While they may not seem large, remember there are many fish in the ocean smaller than that.

4. Looking for two white spotted filefish together is the best way to ensure you see white spotted filefish although this can be difficult. These fish travel in pairs, but it can be difficult to identify since each fish presents a different colored side.

Tips & Warnings

• White spotted filefish can be found in Caribbean and in the waters around South Florida.

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