Caribbean trumpetfish (Aulostomus maculatus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Aulostomus maculatus
- Common name
- Caribbean trumpetfish
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Aulostomidae
- Genus
- Aulostomus
- Size
- 50–100 cm
- Depth
- 1–30 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef, seagrass
- Behaviours
- solitary, predator, cryptic
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, Eastern Pacific
Description
Aulostomus maculatus reaches 100 cm. Caribbean cousin of A. strigosus (Macaronesia). Extremely elongated body with tubular snout, highly variable coloration depending on mood and environment: brown, yellow, gray-blue or pink, sometimes with longitudinal black lines. Lives from 1 to 30 m on coral reefs and seagrass of Caribbean and tropical western Atlantic. Often observed camouflaging vertically along gorgonians or playing decoy behind other fish (jacks, parrotfish) to approach prey. Classic photo subject for unusual behavior.
Photo of Caribbean trumpetfish
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Caribbean trumpetfish?
- Caribbean trumpetfish (Aulostomus maculatus) reaches 50–100 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Caribbean trumpetfish?
- Caribbean trumpetfish is found between 1–30 m deep.
- Is the Caribbean trumpetfish dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Caribbean trumpetfish?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Caribbean trumpetfish?
- Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the genus Aulostomus
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 278080)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2332595)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia