Trumpetfishes

These fishes belong in the "Order Gasterosteiformes" and "Suborder Syngnathoidei" as members of the "Family Aulostomidae" (Trumpetfishes) consisting of 1 genus, and 3 species.

These fishes are not really suited for the home aquarium, however, they do show up in the trade occasionally. They have elongated bodies with tube-like snouts and fine teeth. They generally like to hide in corals and gorgonians and ambush their prey, which is generally small fishes or crustaceans. Because of their size, they need a large aquarium with large being something over 150 gallons at a minimum. Requires live food in the beginning, i.e., grass shrimp and small feeder fish, however, as time goes by it may accept defrosted fish and shrimp flesh. Faster moving tankmates may pester them. One per tank. For in-depth information concerning these fishes, checkout 'Reef Fishes' Volume 1' by Scott Michael (ISBN #1-890087-21-1). You can see a review of this exquisite book by visiting my 'Product & Book Reviews' page.