Chinese Trumpetfish

Scientific Name: Aulostomus chinensis
Species: Trumpetfishes (Aulostomidae)
Other names: Trumpet, Pacific Trumpetfish, Painted Flutemouth, Tahiti Cornet Fish.

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Description

Also known as Trumpet, Pacific Trumpetfish, Painted Flutemouth and Tahiti Cornet Fish.

Found singly on the bottom of reefs sometimes in rocky areas. Quite often they can be found mimicking a fish, changing colour to match the fish, resting alongside ready to pounce.
They feed almost exclusively on small, schooling reef fishes.
Length - 60-90cm
Depth - 0-15m
Widespread Indo-Pacific

The Trumpetfish can be recognised by its long body, tubular snout with minute teeth, its chin barbel and the series of short dorsal spines.Their bodies are inflexible, supported by interwoven struts of bone. The colouration of this species is variable. It is often brown or green with pale stripes and bars, and white spots posteriorly. A yellow colour variety is common in some areas. Individual fish have the ability to change their colours very quickly. Trumpetfish have the capability to rapidly expand their jaws into a circular gaping hole almost the diameter of their body when feeding. They are carnivores, hovering almost motionless just a few inches above the substrate, slowly inching their way towards unsuspecting prey. When they get close enough, they rapidly dart in, expanding their jaws. The rapid opening of their tube-like mouths creates a strong sucking force, drawing their prey straight into their oral cavities.

Although Trumpetfish can be found in various colours, because of their ability to change colour at will, there is in fact only one genus with two species, one Pacific and one Atlantic.

Spotted

The Chinese Trumpetfish has been photographed 40 times by users @fishx6 @epic

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