Trumpetfish

Description:

Trumpetfish occur in waters between 0.5-30 meters (1.6-100 feet) deep and can grow to 40-80 cm (appr. 15-31 in) in length. They are sometimes locally abundant over coral atoll reefs or in lagoons, where they may be caught even in areas of severe wave action. The spawning habits of the trumpetfish are unknown. Trumpetfish swim slowly, sneaking up on unsuspecting prey, or lie motionless like a floating stick, swaying back and forth with the wave action of the water. They are adept at camouflaging themselves and often swim in alignment with other larger fishes. They feed almost exclusively on small fish, such as wrasses and atheriniformes,by sucking them suddenly into their small mouths.

Habitat:

National Marine Park

Notes:

Taken with a disposable camera; the fish is striped and in the lower right quadrant