Overview
Elongated tropicalized predator, very fast and often near the surface.
Identification
Cylindrical bodyForked caudal finBlue spotsTube-like mouthAbsence of scalesWell-visible lateral line
- Body
- Very elongated and slender body, similar to a trumpet.
- Colouration
- Predominantly blue-green with scattered blue spots on a silvery background.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Absent/not prominent
- Growth
- medium, typical of coral reef species
Taxonomy
- Family
- Fistulariidae
- Order
- Syngnathiformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
Related species
Fistularia petimbaAeoliscus punctulatusDactylagnus mundusMacroramphosus scolopaxFistularia tabacaria
Habitat & distribution
- Environment
- coast, reefs, pelagic
- Preferred bottom
- reef, sand
- Geographic distribution
- Found in most tropical and subtropical seas; recently spotted in the Mediterranean Sea.
- Micro-habitat
- Often found near coral reefs and seagrass beds, where it hides to hunt.
Prefers warm, shallow waters near coral formations.
Presence by sea area
Ionio CentroPeak
Sicilia Ionio CanalePeak
Eu Mediterraneo EstPeak
Af Mar Rosso NordPeak
Af Indiano EstPeak
Na Costa Est SudPeak
Na Golfo MessicoPeak
Na CaraibiPeak
Sa Brasile NordPeak
Sa Brasile EstPeak
As Mar Cinese SudPeak
Au Gbr NordPeak
Au Gbr CentroPeak
Oc FijiPeak
Oc MicronesiaPeak
Oc PapuaPeak
Diet
- Primary prey
- small fish, crustaceans, shrimp
- Secondary prey
- cephalopods, fish larvae, small marine invertebrates
- Occasional prey
- jellyfish, planktonics
- Feeding behaviour
- Actively feeds by hunting prey near the water's surface or close to the coral bottom.
- Natural predators
- sharks, large groupers, barracuda
Feeds mainly on small fish and crustaceans, which it hunts in its natural environment.
Behaviour
- Activity
- diurnal
- Social behaviour
- solitary
- Aggressiveness
- low
- Migration
- resident
- Seasonal behaviour
- Remains active throughout all seasons, with increased activity in warmer months.
- Juveniles
- Juveniles tend to hide among algae and corals to avoid predators.
- Adults
- Adults swim freely and hunt actively in shallow waters.
Reproduction
- Spawning season
- July, August
- Spawning depth
- between 20 and 40 meters
- Eggs
- small pelagic eggs
- Larval stage
- Larvae are planktonic and quickly develop into the juvenile stage.
- Sexual maturity
- 2-3 years
When to catch Bluespotted cornetfish
Activity calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PeakGoodLowInactive
Activity by season
Best times
Daymattino, tramonto
Nightsera
This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.
Fishing activity decreases in winter, when conditions are less favourable.
Ideal conditions
Atmospheric pressure
Low
Very active on surface.
Medium
Regular activity.
High
Moves away from shore.
Barometric trend
Water temperature
10°COptimal zone: 14-24°C27°C
Preferred tide: moving
Where to catch it
Best spots
near coral reefsclose to sandy beachescoastal lagoonsriver mouths
Bottom preference
Spot type
Fishing techniques
Recommended
light trollingspinningspearfishinghandlining
Other applicable
SpinningTraina CostieraSpinning UltraleggeroSpinning LeggeroPesca A Mosca In MareStreamer
Recommended baits
live small fishfish-like artificial luressquidshrimp
Baits by pressure
Low
Shrimp artificiale (gomma)Softbait piccolo / LRFJig head + softbaitMetal jig leggero (20-40g)
Medium
Gambero morto / GamberoGambero vivoPesciolino vivoAcciuga vivaTrancio di sardina
High
Arenicola
Catch & handling tips
- Fight
- Tends to resist with strong lateral thrashing, trying to shake off the hook.
- Handling
- Handle with care to avoid damage to its delicate skin.
- Release
- Gently release underwater to avoid excessive stress.
Curiosities & culture
- Record catches
- The trumpet fish, or Fistularia commersonii, can reach a maximum length of over 1.5 meters. In the Mediterranean, significant catches have been recorded predominantly in warm waters like those of the Aegean Sea.
- In the kitchen
- Rarely used in cooking due to its threadlike structure, but occasionally consumed grilled.
- Cultural notes
- Known for its atypical shape, the trumpet fish often appears in underwater photographs.
- Historical notes
- Recently introduced into the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal, its presence symbolizes the invasion of Lessepsian species.
