Some animals like to toot their own horn and make a statement. Others just want to hide from their predators! Trumpetfish? They do a little of both.
Trumpetfish caught on the Cayman Reef Live Cam by viewer rapidfyahhhh.
A common species throughout the Caribbean, the Trumpetfish (Aulostomus maculatus) gets its name from its long, trumpet-like body shape and extended snout. They are unusual swimmers that are often seen swimming vertically near a sea fan, pipe sponge, or other stalk-shaped soft coral in an effort to remain hidden from sight. These fish are masters of camouflage and can change their body color to match that of the best hiding place. If you’re thinking that this species has similar behavior to a seahorse, good job! They are in fact close relatives!
You’ll see trumpetfish on occasion on the Cayman Reef Live Cam – look closely at the swaying soft corals to see if one is hiding out!
