Description
Also known as Arrowshaft, Commerson's Cornetfish, Coronet, Cornetfish Smooth Flutemouth, Flutefish, Flutemouth, Red Cornetfish, Reef Cornetfish, Smooth Cornetfish, Smooth Flutemouth.
Found singly or in schools, over rock and sandy bottoms, often over the surface of the water, close to reefs.
They feed by stalking their victims, on crustaceans, small fish, and squid.
Length - 160cm
Depth - 0-130m
Widespread Mediterranean, Eastern Central Pacific, Indo-Pacific
Cornetfish swim near the bottom above sand or rubble areas and near reefs during the day, can often be seen in small groups at night in shallow protected areas. Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/5444
11 comments
Posted by Ann LSaw a Smooth Flutemouth today in Merimbula Lake - Far South Coast NSW. It was about 18" long and dark gray/black. Water temp at the time was just over 22 degrees.
Posted by SonyaSaw some of these in Maui last week! My son was scared--probably because it looked like a needle!
Posted by Richard2015 Stegna, Rhodes, Greece. Change colors if disturbed or excited before attacking small fish.
Posted by TomHI, Came across one at Afandou in Rhodes last week. br tom
Posted by davesaw two of these fish whilst snorkelling at blue lagoon akamas peninsular cyprus april 2012. Amazing sight both about a metre in length and in about 2 metres of water. One was black in colour whilst the other was light grey with cross hatching along its back.On approach the light coloured fish changed colour to very pale and continued to change colour as it slowly traversed the reef.Amazing!! The dark coloured fish remained dark but neither were concerned at my presence.
Posted by quokkaI've just been swimming with one at a place named Fairy Bower near Manly Beach, Sydney, Australia. I didn't realise how rapidly they can change colour - wonderful to watch!
Posted by @fishx6These are harmless!
Posted by @fishx6This fish is not native to Cyprus but was introduced to the area maybe via the Suez canal! www.europe-aliens.org/pdf/Fistularia_commersonii.pdf So yes this is more than likely the ones you saw.
Posted by sermenI have seen very similar to this fish in the Meditereanean Coast around North Cyprus.With an extended filament or attachment to the tail ineffect forming a third part to the tail. Tubular long ( pipe like mouth) but fits in the description given above . Could it be that it belongs to this group. It was first time I have seen small groups of them.
Posted by @fishx6Hmmmmmmm not sure I had thought of them along those lines!
Posted by @scubasteveThese things always worry me, they look like giant living syringes!! I think they're harmless. Quite a few of them in the maldives!