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Chinese trumpetfish (Aulostomus chinensis) — Aulostomidae

Chinese trumpetfish

Aulostomus chinensis
Family: Aulostomidae
LC · Least Concern

The Chinese trumpetfish (Aulostomus chinensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Aulostomidae that grows up to 80 cm.

Length
80 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–122.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The Chinese trumpetfish is a trumpetfish (Aulostomidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 80 cm and has a very elongate, compressed body with a long, tubular snout ending in a small, upturned mouth. It lives in clear, shallow water on rocky and coral reefs of sheltered and seaward slopes. As a slow stalking hunter it often hangs obliquely in the water or shelters behind larger fishes, then sucks up small fishes and shrimps with a rapid suction strike. It can adapt its colour to its surroundings. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Chinese trumpetfish?

The Chinese trumpetfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Chinese trumpetfish live?

The Chinese trumpetfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Chinese trumpetfish get?

The Chinese trumpetfish grows to a maximum of about 80 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.

Is the Chinese trumpetfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Chinese trumpetfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Chinese trumpetfish edible?

The Chinese trumpetfish is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Chinese trompetvis sourced
English name
Chinese trumpetfish verified
Scientific name
Aulostomus chinensis
Family
Aulostomidae
Other names
Chinese trumpetfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
80.0 verified
Average length (cm)
60.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
122.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Aulostomus

More from the family Aulostomidae

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