Bluespotted cornetfish

Bluespotted cornetfish
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Syngnathiformes
Family: Fistulariidae
Genus: Fistularia
Species: F. commersonii
Binomial name
Fistularia commersonii
Rüppell, 1838 [1]

The bluespotted cornetfish, smooth cornetfish, or smooth flutemouth, Fistularia commersonii, is a marine fish which belongs to the family Fistulariidae. This very long and slender reef-dweller belongs to the same order as the pipefishes and seahorses, called Syngnathiformes. It is widespread in the tropical and sub-tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea. In 2000 its presence was reported in the Mediterranean Sea, since when it has continued to disperse and is now well-established in some areas.[2] This species is considered as part of the Lessepsian migration.[3]

The fish is of minor importance commercially, mostly being sold as fish meal but also fresh and preserved.[2] It is also sold as an aquarium fish.

Morphology

The bluespotted cornetfish is notable for its unusually long, slender body shape.[2] It has a tubular snout, large eyes and a long tail filament lined with sensory pores which may help with detecting prey. Its body is greenish-grey to brown with two thin blue stripes or lines of dots on the back and lighter on the front.

It grows to a length of 1.6 m (5.2 ft), but the average is around 1 m (3.3 ft).[4]

Biology

The bluespotted cornetfish is usually a solitary predator, stalking and feeding on small fishes, crustaceans and squid.[2] Sometimes they feed in small groups along the bottom on small bottom-dwelling fish which their long snouts are very efficient at sucking up.

Reproduction is oviparous- the large eggs hatch and develop outside of the body. Larvae hatch at 6-7mm.

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bluespotted cornetfish.
Wikispecies has information related to: Bluespotted cornetfish


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