The Atlantic Trumpetfish or Aulostomus maculatus is a saltwater fish found in and around reefs in the Atlantic Ocean. These fish are masters of camouflage, using their long slender bodies to mimic gorgonians, sea whips and sea weeds. They lie in wait with their nose facing the sea floor until a small fish or shrimp swims too close sucking them up in its tube shaped mouth! They are also known to shadow on top of herbivorous fish to get close enough to other smaller fish without being noticed. Very tricky predators!
The Atlantic Trumpetfish is a close relative of the Seahorse and Pipefish and gets it name from it trumpet-shaped snout. They are able to change their coloration at will although three basic colour schemes exist: reddish brown, gray with a blue snout, and yellow. Growing to about 3' (1 meter) they will feed on shrimp, Grunts, Wrasses, Chromis and Soldierfish. This species of Trumpetfish will fall prey to Jacks, Snapper, Grouper and sharks. You can check out the Atlantic Trumpetfish swimming in the video below.
If you have any additional information about the Atlantic Trumpetfish please leave us a comment below.
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