Fin's Fish Guide
The Red cornetfish (Fistularia petimba) is a saltwater fish of the family Fistulariidae that grows up to 200 cm.
Originally circumtropical in the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic Ocean, on sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
Description
The red 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; the tail ends in a long, thread-like filament. The body is reddish to brown. The species is naturally circumtropical in the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic, but has entered the eastern Mediterranean as a Lessepsian migrant through the Suez Canal, where it has become established. Above sand and mud bottoms it hunts, often hovering motionless, small fish and shrimps. Because of its bizarre shape it is a conspicuous newcomer in the Mediterranean.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Red cornetfish?
The Red cornetfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Very long, thin fish with a tubular snout and a small mouth at its end; the tail tapers into a long, thread-like point.
Where does the Red cornetfish live?
The Red cornetfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Originally circumtropical in the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic Ocean, on sandy and silty bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the Red cornetfish get?
The Red cornetfish grows to a maximum of about 200 cm. On average the species is around 180 cm.
Is the Red cornetfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Red cornetfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Red cornetfish edible?
The Red cornetfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Red cornetfish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Fistularia
More from the family Fistulariidae
Want the complete picture on the Red cornetfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Red cornetfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.