Reeflings

Common name: Trumpetfish

Scientific name: Aulostomus maculatus Valenciennes, 1841
This trumpetfish (Aulostomus chinensis) is attempting to camouflage beside black coral tree (Antipatharians); Hawaii, United States of AmericaAulostomus maculatus, the West Atlantic trumpetfish
A very cool looking trumpetfish (Aulostomus maculatus) on the reef off the Dutch Caribbean island of Sint MaartenAulostomus maculatus and other tropical fish in the reef under water

General information

The Trumpetfish, scientifically known as Aulostomus maculatus, is a distinctive species popular among aquarists for its unique body shape and behavior. It has a long, slender body with a tubular snout, which it uses to suck up prey. Their coloration can vary, often matching their surroundings to camouflage themselves from both predators and prey. They are known to 'shadow' larger fish to sneak up on their prey.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
300 liter (79 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
80 cm (2′7″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Needs ample swimming space
Diet
Carnivore Prefers live foods; can adapt to frozen
Social
Solo Can be territorial; best kept alone
Reefsafe
No May eat small fish and shrimp
Aggression
Semi aggresive Territorial, especially with conspecifics
Captive bred
No
Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Pipefishes
    Syngnathiformes
  5. Family
    Trumpetfishes
    Aulostomidae
  6. Genus
    Trumpetfish
    Aulostomus
  7. Species
    Trumpetfish
    Aulostomus maculatus Valenciennes, 1841
  8. Synonyms
    Aulostoma maculatum Valenciennes, 1841

Care

Trumpetfish require a large tank with plenty of open water for swimming as well as vertical structures for hiding. They are carnivorous and prefer live foods such as small fish and shrimp. Care should be taken when introducing them to a community tank as they can prey on smaller fish and invertebrates.

Reproduction

In the wild, Trumpetfish are known to engage in elaborate courtship displays. They are not commonly bred in captivity, and most specimens in the aquarium trade are wild-caught.

Habitat

Native to the Atlantic Ocean, Aulostomus maculatus is often found in coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves. They are adept at vertical hanging among gorgonians or other structures and can be found at various depths, often from the surface to about 20 meters deep.