Atlantic trumpetfish

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The Atlantic trumpetfish (Aulostomus strigosus), also called the Atlantic coronetfish, is a long, slender tropical fish with a tubular snout and an upward-facing mouth. It grows up to about 75 cm.

Where it lives
This species inhabits shallow coastal waters in the eastern Atlantic, from Mauritania to Namibia, and around Macaronesian islands like Madeira, Cape Verde, and the Canary Islands. It can also be found off Brazil (Espírito Santo and St. Paul’s Rocks). It usually stays over rocky or coral bottoms in depths from about 5 to 25 meters.

What it looks like
Atlantic trumpetfish can change color to communicate or blend in. Colors range from brown and blue to green or orange, with various lines or mottling on the body. They have semitransparent dorsal and anal fins with a small dark dot in front of them. They often show four white spots along the body and a few white lines around the tail area.

How it eats
They mainly eat small fish and shrimp. Trumpetfish often shadow other larger fish while hunting, using their long snout to reach into tight spaces and catch prey.

Behavior and lifestyle
Trumpetfish are “follower” fish, meaning they swim alongside other species to take advantage of feeding opportunities and protection. They can hunt by hanging vertically in the water, head down, and striking at passing prey. They may move around at night and can form small swarms. They also use camouflage by matching the color and shape of surrounding objects.

Reproduction
The Atlantic trumpetfish is oviparous, laying eggs that float in the open sea. Spawning happens roughly from March to June. It’s not well understood whether males have a brood pouch like some related fish.

Size and growth
As they age, trumpetfish grow larger and gain more scales and spine features. They do not have year-by-year age markings on their scales.

Conservation
The IUCN lists the Atlantic trumpetfish as Least Concern. There isn’t much evidence of a clear population trend, and they are not a target of fisheries. Some threats come from climate change and habitat changes. Because they live in marine habitats that include reserves, protection is helped by these protected areas, but no species-specific conservation actions are currently in place. Monitoring of populations and habitats is recommended.