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Fish Identification: The Trumpetfish

Fish Identification: The Trumpetfish

Written by Nevin
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Published on April 7, 2011

Trumpetfish are long bodied almost tubular fish that have upturned mouths somewhat resembling a trumpet-like instrument, which is from where this fish gets its name.  These fish belonging to the seahorse family and are fascinating creatures to the passing scuba diver as they will hover almost motionless, resembling a stick or a strand of seaweed, making them difficult to spot immediately.

Scuba divers can easily identify the Trumpetfish by its distinctive shape and elongated body despite the variety of colors in which they come in. However there is often confusion between identification of a Trumpetfish and the Cornetfish which are very similar looking at first glance but are usually longer than Trumpets, can grow till 6.6 ft ( 2m) in length, and are much more thin and elongated. Cornetfish are also distinguished by a very long snout, distinct dorsal and anal fins, and a forked caudal fin or tail fin.

Trumpetfish are found primarily in the Western Atlantic and the Caribbean, often in coral reefs or weedy lagoons where they can easily blend in with their surroundings. These fish are carnivores and their diet is almost exclusively small fish which they sneak up on and strike with a sudden powerful suction that pulls the prey rapidly into their mouth. The hunting style of the Trumpetfish has been described best as the ‘lurk-and-lunge’ action, where the fish can remain almost motionless hovering in the water, then inch closer to its intended prey, before lunging at it with its vacuum-like mouth.

Best known as masters of camouflage, Trumpetfish are usually found in varying shades of mottled reddish brown, yellow or green, but can also easily change their color. They often swim vertically with their snouts down, which helps them to blend in with surrounding sea fans, pipe sponges and sea whips, thereby hiding from predators and also making it difficult for the passing diver to spot; however once spotted, these delightful creatures are always fun to observe and photograph.

On sighting a scuba diver the Trumpetfish will generally remain still to maintain camouflage, which is good news for underwater photographers, but when closely approached, will move away or may change color for protection.