Did you know that the Trumpetfish changes colors to camouflage so they can prey on small fishes? The abilty to hover horizontally or vertically allows it to be mistaken for a coral branch.

Aulostomus chinensis

Description • The Trumpetfish is seen in yellow, reddish brown form and brown with pale bands. It grows to 36 inches in length and has two black spots on its back fin. It also has a long jaw, flaring mouth and can quickly change color to blend in with the reef.

Habitat • The Trumpetfish lives in rocky reefs or in the estuaries and is sometimes seen swimming slowly or hovering close to coral.

Diet • The Trumpetfish eats small reefs fishes and shrimps. It hitches a ride on the back of another fish or swims with other fish to go undectected by its prey. It attacks within a short distance and sucks the prey into its mouth by expanding its snout.