Tube-like Stealth Predators

Trumpetfish are classic residents of the coral reef and are clearly recognizable by their tubular, skinny bodies, long snout, and wide mouth. You can find them hovering vertically or horizontally just above the reef and under ledges or hiding amongst coral and gorgonians. Trumpetfish are relatively large reef fish and can grow to a maximum length of 80 cm (31 in). They are typically reddish-brown, yellow, or blue-gray and can change color to camouflage with their surroundings.

Although trumpetfish look docile, they are stealthy, ambush predators that feed on crustaceans and small fish. They tend to stalk their prey as they hover nearly motionless just above the reef, using their tube-like mouths to create a suction force, drawing in their next meal when they get close enough. You can go diving with trumpetfish in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Indo-Pacific oceans. Explore the map below to see where you can go diving with trumpetfish.