TRUMPET FISH

also called flutemouth any of the marine fishes that constitute the family Aulostomidae (order Gasterosteiformes), found along shores in tropical waters. Trumpet fishes have elongated, slender bodies and stiff, tubelike snouts ending in small, weak jaws. The body is covered with small scales, the back bears a row of spines that can be raised in defense, and the chin is provided with a short barbel. West Indies species may attain lengths of up to 180 centimetres (6 feet); northern species, however, are usually less than 30 centimetres (1 foot). They eat small animals, and they sometimes rest head downward among certain corals (gorgonians), blending with the surroundings. They have also been noted to align themselves along the backs of larger fishes, possibly to obtain protection and transportation from one place to another. Species include Aulostomus maculatus, a pale-striped, reddish or brown Atlantic species, and the painted flutemouth (A. chinensis), a variably coloured Pacific form.