Bluespotted cornetfish
Fistularia commersonii
Special Features
What makes the bluespotted cornetfish really special is its camouflage. It likes to sneak vertically along corals or even larger fish to avoid detection. Furthermore, it can snap quickly, even though it generally appears quite leisurely. Despite its somewhat "extraterrestrial" appearance, it is completely harmless to humans.
Appearance
The bluespotted cornetfish is a real eye-catcher in the reef: long, thin, and elegant like a swimming flute – hence the name. Its body is usually yellowish, brownish, or lightly patterned, and it can easily grow over a meter long. The mouth is narrow and tubular, perfect for sucking in small prey fish.
Natural Enemies
Muraenas, barracudas, sharks, grouper, snapper
Dangerous/Poisons
The bluespotted cornetfish is neither dangerous nor poisonous.
Pro Tips
If you encounter a bluespotted cornetfish, don't be startled. It is curious and absolutely harmless. Look closely, as its camouflage is really good, and often it stands still in the water like a stick, making it easy to overlook. It’s great for photos: If you approach slowly and calmly, it usually remains relaxed and you can perfectly capture its unusual shape.
The bluespotted cornetfish is an invasive, non-native species in the Mediterranean Sea, having entered through the Suez Canal and spread rapidly since the early 2000s.
Text: Zettel Carina
