Genus Fistularia Higher classification Cornetfish | Phylum Chordata Family Fistulariidae Scientific name Fistularia commersonii Rank Species | |
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Similar Cornetfish, Red cornetfish, Dusky spinefoot, Aulostomidae, Fistularia tabacaria | ||
Bluespotted cornetfish
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. This species is considered as part of the Lessepsian migration.
Contents
- Bluespotted cornetfish
- Red sea bluespotted cornetfish fistularia commersonii
- Morphology
- Biology
- References
The fish is of minor importance commercially, mostly being sold as fish meal but also fresh and preserved. It is also sold as an aquarium fish.
Red sea bluespotted cornetfish fistularia commersonii
Morphology
The bluespotted cornetfish is notable for its unusually long, slender body shape. 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).
Biology
The bluespotted cornetfish is usually a solitary predator, stalking and feeding on small fishes, crustaceans and squid. 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.
