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TRUMPETFISHES (Aulostomidae)
In
our area we find only one species, Aulostomus chinensis. Body very
elongated and slightly compressed. Head compressed, snout tubular
and oversized. Caudal fin small and lanceolate. Our Indo-Pacific species is widespread in tropical
seas. Easily identified by their robust body and color. The only
similar species are the CORNETFISHES (Fistularidae), which are very
plain and more slender with a long filament on the center of the
caudal fin. The bright yellow phase is usually noticed most, although
the normal brownish or gray form is more common. In general the
color is variable between juveniles and adult, from longitudinal
bands to vertical banding. They have the ability to quickly change
color. The trumpet fish feeds on other fish and the mouth can open
surprisingly wide, creating a strong suction in the process.
| | TRUMPETFISH (Aulostomus chinensis)
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 Length:
to 80 cm
They are cunning
predators, positioning themselves vertically along objects or riding
on the back of other fishes to be able to get close to prey, primarily
smaller fishes.
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PIPEFISHES AND SEAHORSES (Syngnathidae)
This family comprises some of the most interesting fishes in both
behavior and appearance. This large family is distributed globally
in all but the coldest seas and some occur in freshwater. Mostly
slender fishes, bodies scale less, encased in bony plates, arranged
in series of rings. A small oblique mouth at the end of a tubular
snout. Ventral fins and jaw teeth are absent. The tail is prehensile
in some species. Usually the species live on shallow reefs or in
sea grass beds, feeding primarily on small crustaceans which are
sucked up with the long snout. Their reproduction method is unique,
as males incubate the eggs in a pouch on the tail or belly. Hatchlings
are often well advanced and may already resemble its parents. Close
related to Syngnathidae are the GHOST PIPE FISHES (Solenostomidae).
In this small tropical family the females incubate the eggs. Their
ventral fin is enlarged and hooked onto the body to form a pouch
for holding the eggs.
| | TIGERTAIL SEAHORSE (Hippocampus comes)
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 Length:
to 15 cm
This seahorse species lives in habitats rich in soft corals
and sponges. Its coloration is yellow to black: males are
usually dark, females are often yellow. The tail shows contrasting
bands of dark and yellow.
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TAIL-LESS PIPEFISH (Trachyrhampus bicoarctatus)
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 Length:
to 40 cm
Inhabits clear sandy bays, lying low on substrate near algae
or loose weed. Feeds on small crustaceans. As they reach adulthood,
they loose their caudal fin.
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ORNATE GHOST PIPEFISH (Solenostomus paradoxus)
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 Length:
to 12 cm
Lives among the branches of gorgonians, soft corals and
leather corals, where it is almost invisible due to its
perfect camouflage. Feeds on planktonic crustaceans, living
in pairs or small groups.
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DAMSELFISHES (Pomacentridae)
Damselfishes are a very large family, particularly in tropical
coral reef habitats. Most species do not exceed 10 cm in length.
Habitats are nearly always reefs which features plenty of cover
such as small crevices. Basically, those species that are algae
feeders occupy the shallow reef flats and planktivore species occupy
the rocky outcrops. Damselfishes are very popular, in particular
the anemone or clown fishes which are not only very colorful but
have a close relationship with large anemones. The anemone fish
live amongst the tentacles without getting stung, because the anemone
reacts to the fish contact as if it were another tentacle. The benefit
for the anemone is, that the fish protect its host against enemies
like butterfly fishes, which may attack and eat the anemone. The
territories of anemone fishes are small, not expanding much beyond
the anemone.
| | CLARK`S ANEMONEFISH (Amphiprion clarkii)
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 Length:
to 10 cm
Widely distributed with different color morphs, usually black
with variable amounts of orange on head and fins and three
white bars on head, body and base of the tail fin. This species
is not host-specific: associated with at least 10 anemone
species.
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| | TOMATO ANEMONEFISH (Amphiprion ephippium)
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 Length:
to 12 cm
This species is endemic to the Andaman Sea. This rarely encountered
species live in pairs with only two species of anemones.
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HAWKFISHES (Cirrhitidae)
The hawk fishes are a tropical family common to our area. These
small fishes hug the bottom, perched on the thickened lower pectoral
fin rays, but unlike most bottom dwellers they are very active,
often restlessly moving positions. Most species live in shallow
water, on reef crests and strong surge zones. Most species are habitat
specific, found with certain sponges or corals and usually occur
in loose aggregations. They are carnivores, feeding on small fishes
and invertebrates. In general hawk fishes are small and less than
10 cm long, but a few attain almost 30 cm. Filaments at the tip
of the dorsal spines, often tufted, are diagnostic for the family.
| | SPOTTED HAWKFISH (Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus)
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 Length:
to 10 cm
Inhabits areas of rich coral growth and the clear water of
lagoons. It rests on, in or beneath hard or soft corals. Usually
observed singly. Coloration varies from dark to light red
to suit various habitats.
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