Pacific trumpetfish (Aulostomus chinensis)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Aulostomus chinensis
- Common name
- Pacific trumpetfish
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Aulostomidae
- Genus
- Aulostomus
- Size
- 50–80 cm
- Depth
- 1–122 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef, rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- solitary, cryptic, predator
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea
Description
Aulostomus chinensis reaches 80 cm. Trumpetfish (Aulostomidae) with Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific distribution, cousin of A. strigosus (batch 10 Macaronesia) and A. maculatus (batch 13 Caribbean). Very elongated compressed body with tubular snout, variable coloration depending on mood: brown, yellow, gray-blue, sometimes black with white longitudinal lines. Lives from 1 to 122 m on coral and rocky reefs. Emblematic hunting behavior: positions vertically or behind other fish (line-following with parrotfish, napoleons) to approach prey. Classic photo subject for its behavior.
Photo of Pacific trumpetfish
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Pacific trumpetfish?
- Pacific trumpetfish (Aulostomus chinensis) reaches 50–80 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Pacific trumpetfish?
- Pacific trumpetfish is found between 1–122 m deep.
- Is the Pacific trumpetfish dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Pacific trumpetfish?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Pacific trumpetfish?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.
Other species in the genus Aulostomus
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 217964)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2332603)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia