Fin's Fish Guide
The Bluespotted cornetfish (Fistularia tabacaria) is a saltwater fish of the family Fistulariidae that grows up to 200 cm.
Atlantic Ocean on both sides, over sandy bottoms, seagrass beds and reefs of shallow to moderately deep coastal waters, also around the Macaronesian islands.
Description
The bluespotted cornetfish is a very long, thin fish of the family Fistulariidae (cornetfishes) that can reach about 2 metres long but stays extremely slender. The snout is extended into a long tube with a small mouth at the end, with which the fish sucks up prey; rows of blue spots run over the brown-green back, and the tail ends in a long, thread-like filament. The species lives above sand bottoms, seagrass beds and reefs of coastal water of the Atlantic on both sides, also around the Macaronesian islands. It often hovers motionless in wait and then sucks in small fish and shrimps in a flash. Because of its bizarre shape it is unmistakable.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bluespotted cornetfish?
The Bluespotted cornetfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Very long, thin fish with a tubular snout, rows of blue spots on the back and a tail that tapers into a long thread-like point.
Where does the Bluespotted cornetfish live?
The Bluespotted cornetfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Atlantic Ocean on both sides, over sandy bottoms, seagrass beds and reefs of shallow to moderately deep coastal waters, also around the Macaronesian islands.
How big does the Bluespotted cornetfish get?
The Bluespotted cornetfish grows to a maximum of about 200 cm. On average the species is around 120 cm.
Is the Bluespotted cornetfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Bluespotted cornetfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bluespotted cornetfish edible?
The Bluespotted cornetfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
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Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Fistularia
More from the family Fistulariidae
Want the complete picture on the Bluespotted cornetfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bluespotted cornetfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.