Trumpetfish - Aulostomidae
TRUMPETFISH - AULOSTOMIDAE Like many other fish, trumpetfish are also masters of mimicry. They can change color to blend into their environment or depending their mood. Trumpetfish are not fast swimmers and are mostly seen hanging vertically between corals or cruising along reef walls. When hunting, they often swim very close to or underneath bigger reef-fish with the same color so they will not be spotted by their prey. When close enough, they shoot forward and suck their prey in. During sunset the males start chasing the females into open water for mating. The females then start to swim in a spiral movement towards the surface, where they release their eggs. Length: 80 cm. Distribution: S- Africa to Panama, S- Japan, E- Pacific and Northern New Zealand. Brown-grey or yellow phases, elongate body with trumpet-like snout. Short yellow tail with 1 or 2 black spots. May display fine white lines and bars. Often swims behind or above large herbivorous fishes to sneak up on prey. Mouth opens to diameter of body to suck in prey. Lives solitary on inshore and seaward reefs down to -122 m.
Trumpetfish info

Trumpetfish info

Aulostomus chinensis - Trumpetfish

Aulostomus chinensis - Trumpetfish