Fin's Fish Guide
The Broom filefish (Amanses scopas) is a saltwater fish of the family Monacanthidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The broom filefish is a filefish from the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to Mozambique and east to the Society and Tuamotu islands, north to Japan. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a brown body with about twelve narrow, dark cross-bars. Males bear a bundle of long bristly spines on the tail base resembling a broom, females a brush-like patch. It lives on clear coral reefs with rubble and feeds on coral polyps. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Broom filefish?
The Broom filefish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Males with brush-like bristles on the caudal peduncle; eats coral polyps
Where does the Broom filefish live?
The Broom filefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Broom filefish get?
The Broom filefish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Broom filefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Broom filefish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Broom filefish edible?
The Broom filefish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Monacanthidae
Want the complete picture on the Broom filefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Broom filefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.