Fin's Fish Guide
The Common trumpetsnout (Macrorhamphosodes uradoi) is a saltwater fish of the family Triacanthodidae that grows up to 17 cm.
Description
The trumpetsnout spikefish is a remarkable deep-water fish of the deep-sea spikefish family (Triacanthodidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 17 cm and has a stocky body with a long, tubular snout and stout fin spines. It lives on the continental slope at considerable depth. Notable is its feeding: it is a scale-eater (lepidophage) with an asymmetric, sideways-twisted mouth with which it scrapes scales from the flanks of other fishes. Owing to this unusual way of life and its deep habitat the species is little known. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common trumpetsnout?
The Common trumpetsnout has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Tubular snout with an asymmetrical, sideways-twisted mouth for scraping scales off other fishes.
Where does the Common trumpetsnout live?
The Common trumpetsnout lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific; continental slope at depth.
How big does the Common trumpetsnout get?
The Common trumpetsnout grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.
Is the Common trumpetsnout dangerous to humans?
No, the Common trumpetsnout is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Common trumpetsnout edible?
The Common trumpetsnout is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Macrorhamphosodes
More from the family Triacanthodidae
Want the complete picture on the Common trumpetsnout?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common trumpetsnout is one of 12,519 species in the app.