Home · Aulorhynchidae · Tube-snout
Tube-snout (Aulorhynchus flavidus) — Aulorhynchidae

Tube-snout

Aulorhynchus flavidus
LC · Least Concern

The Tube-snout (Aulorhynchus flavidus) is a saltwater fish of the family Aulorhynchidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–30.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Eastern Pacific off the west coast of North America; kelp and seagrass.
Edibility
Not eaten

Want the complete picture on the Tube-snout?

Get the app

Description

The tube-snout is a stickleback relative (Aulorhynchidae) from the eastern Pacific off the west coast of North America. The species has a very elongate, slender body with a long, tubular snout and a row of free spinelets before the dorsal fin. It occurs in kelp beds, eelgrass, rocky areas and over sand bottoms, usually near the surface in schools, sometimes in dense schools. With its tubular snout it sucks up small zooplankton and small invertebrates. The male builds a nest and guards the eggs. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Tube-snout?

The Tube-snout has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern. Very long body with a tubular snout and separate small dorsal spines; the male guards a small nest.

Where does the Tube-snout live?

The Tube-snout lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Eastern Pacific off the west coast of North America; kelp and seagrass.

How big does the Tube-snout get?

The Tube-snout grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Tube-snout dangerous to humans?

No, the Tube-snout is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Tube-snout edible?

The Tube-snout is not usually eaten.

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Tube-snout?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tube-snout is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →

All data

Identification

English name
Tube-snout verified
Scientific name
Aulorhynchus flavidus
Family
Aulorhynchidae
Other names
Tube-snout verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Green inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked 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
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
30.0 verified
Natural range
Eastern Pacific off the west coast of North America; kelp and seagrass. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small zooplankton and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
9.0 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Very long body with a tubular snout and separate small dorsal spines; the male guards a small nest. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Want the complete picture on the Tube-snout?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tube-snout is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →
Is this the Tube-snout? Get the app