Common Name: Trumpetfish

Distribution: Common throughout the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Widespread throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific. In Australia recorded from Exmouth in Western Australia, across the tropical north to Queensland, south to Sydney in New South Wales and including Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands.

Ecological Notes: Frequents coastal and outer reefs, from shallow areas to ‘dropoffs’.

Additional Notes: Juveniles live amongst seagrass and soft corals. Adults are ambush predators and shadow larger fish closely looking for prey. Colouration varies considerably and they appear to be able to change colouration quickly. A yellow (or xanthic) colouration is common in some areas, see second photograph, juvenile approximately 9 cm in length in third photograph. Usually seen singly, occasionally loosely in pairs. Grows to 60 cm with anecdotal recordings of 90 cm. 

References: Kuiter, R. H., Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Published by Crawford House Press Pty. Ltd., 1993. p. 79.