Photo: E-190 / CC BY-SA 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
Stephanolepis cirrhifer
Threadsail Filefish
Saltwater
About this species
A small, sandpaper-skinned reef fish famous as a bait-stealing nibbler and a prized delicacy. It uses a tiny beak-like mouth to pick at hooks with maddening subtlety. Its liver is treasured, especially in autumn and winter.
Season
123456789101112
Depth
5 – 50 m
Habitat Spots
ReefNearshoreHarbor
Fishing Methods
BottomFloat
Bait & Rig
Clam meat or shrimp on small hooks with a sensitive rig to detect its light bite.
Edibility & Taste
Delicate white flesh with a celebrated liver, prized for sashimi and hot pot.
Similar Species
Told from black scraper by its smaller size and mottled brown pattern.
Record Weight
0.5 kg