[3] and it is native to shallow waters in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

[2][4] The orangespotted filefish occurs in the Caribbean Sea, the northern half of the Gulf of Mexico and the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

It feeds mainly on sponges and algae, but also consumes tunicates, bryozoans and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates.

Juveniles are found in the water column away from reefs and are preyed on by tuna, billfishes, and other large predatory fishes.

This fish is held in low esteem by humans and seldom eaten by them.