Weedy Filefish
Scientific name Chaetodermis penicilligerus
The Weedy Filefish, also known as a Leafy Filefish, has its name for a reason. When full-grown, it is covered in skin flaps that give it the appearance of being covered in leaves or seaweed. Because filefish are related to triggerfish, the Weedy Filefish also has a small retractable spine on its head, called a ‘trigger’. Weedy Filefish are not nearly as aggressive as triggerfish but they will signal their feelings using their trigger in the same familiar way.
Divemaster’s Tip: Don’t zone out on safety stops especially if you’re stopping on a buoy line. That’s usually where you’re going to run into one of these cute and curious creatures. Buoy lines on deeper dive sites like Chumphon Pinnacle and Southwest Pinnacle are common hideouts for Weedy Filefish.
Find me on these dive sites: Chumphon Pinnacle, Hin Wong Pinnacle, Southwest Pinnacle, Sattakut Wreck, Sail Rock.
