The Atlantic Trumpetfish (Aulostomus maculatus) is a very curious species, with a long slender body and trumpet-like mouth. It cruises around the reef inconspicuously, with barely any fin movement, quietly looking for its next meal and an eye open for approaching danger. When danger is spotted it quickly moves into a reef recess or uses its camouflage ability to blend in with its background as in the features image here…..drifting in among the branches of a soft coral. This is the only one species of Trumpetfish that lives in the Caribbean region, sometimes also known as the Western Atlantic Trumpetfish, although it does have a relative known as the Cornetfish that are fairly similar in appearance.
Atlantic Trumpetfish are carnivorous, feeding on small fishes that it actively hunts. While in stealth mode it approaches from behind, and once close enough, they rapidly dart in and expand their jaws rapidly. Opening their tube-like mouths in quick succession creates a strong suction force, and a bit like a vacuum cleaner this draws the prey straight into the mouth….and quick as a flash! They can grow up to a meter in length and can change colour, from that seen in the picture to an almost golden tone of yellow. Beautiful!
Originally posted on Instagram @sea_anguilla with the text: A Trumpetfish hiding out amongst the surrounding soft corals in Shoal Bay East. These slender fish are quite intriguing as they hang out camouflaged in this way, gradually backing off from approaching divers as if trying to decide if they have been spotted yet or not. Once they conclude their cover has been blown, they quickly swim off, gliding gracefully and contorting their bodies while sticking close to the surrounding topography. The pictured individual skillfully swam backwards away from me for a few moments before pumping into a rock and almost sheepishly swimming away under a nearby ledge. Amusing.