ANIMAL SPECIES:Trumpetfish, Aulostomus chinensis (Linnaeus, 1766)
The Trumpetfish has a long slender body. There are several colour forms. The species is a 'stealth' predator.
Identification
The Trumpetfish can be recognised by its long body, tubular snout with minute teeth, its chin barbel and the series of short dorsal spines.
The colouration of this species is variable. It is often brown or green with pale stripes and bars, and white spots posteriorly. A yellow (or xanthic) colour variety is common in some areas. Individual fish have the ability to change their colours very quickly.
Size range
80 cmDistribution
It occurs throughout the Indo-Pacific and eastern Pacific.
In Australia the Trumpetfish is recorded from most tropical waters and down the east coast to central New South Wales.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Trumpetfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The species is found on coral reefs.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
The Trumpetfish uses stealth and camouflage to prey on small fishes. It often approaches its prey vertically, darting down from above and sucking the prey into its long snout.
Other behaviours and adaptations
It is known to sometimes follow other fishes. Presumably following herbivorous fishes such as the Blue-lined Spinefoot allows the Trumpetfish to more easily approach potential prey without detection.
Evolutionary Relationships
There is only one species in the genus Aulostomus.
Classification
- Species:
- chinensis
- Genus:
- Aulostomus
- Family:
- Aulostomidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Seahorses, Pipefishes and their Relatives. A Comprehensive Guide to Syngnathiformes. TMC Publishing Pp. 240.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
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A Trumpetfish at Harrier Reef View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
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