Chinese Trumpetfish

Found singly, shadowing other fish, and using camouflage to sneak up on their prey! Over shallow, clear water, coral and rocky areas, of protected lagoons and seaward reefs. Varies in colour to match surroundings or fish they are stalking!

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.

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