Bluespotted Cornetfish Care Guide
Fistularia commersonii is an extremely elongated Indo-Pacific predator reaching about 1.6 m, with a tubular snout and whip-like tail filament.
Overview
Fistularia commersonii, the Bluespotted Cornetfish, is a predatory fish of the family Fistulariidae. Wikipedia describes an unusually long, slender body with a tubular snout, large eyes and a long tail filament with sensory pores. Body color is blue-grey or greenish-grey with thin blue stripes or dot patterns.
Taxonomy
- Family: Fistulariidae
- Genus: Fistularia
- Scientific name: Fistularia commersonii Rüppell, 1838
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species ranges across the Indo-Pacific from East Africa and the Red Sea to Rapa and Easter Island, north to southern Japan and south to Australia and New Zealand, with records in the eastern central Pacific. It is reef-associated and benthopelagic, occurring over reefs and adjacent sandy bottoms from 0 to about 132 m, either solitary or in schools. It has also invaded the Mediterranean as a Lessepsian migrant.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 2000 L (about 528 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Water flow: medium
- Lifespan: 10-20 years (KB record)
Diet
FishBase reports the Bluespotted Cornetfish feeds on small fishes, shrimps and squids. Wikipedia notes it uses its long snout to take small fish and bottom-dwelling prey, particularly young fish in seagrass beds. The KB record classifies it as a carnivore fed about twice daily.
Compatibility
The species is usually a solitary predator, though it sometimes feeds in small groups near the surface. The KB record recommends large peaceful tankmates and advises against small fish that can be eaten.
Behavior
Wikipedia notes the fish can change its body pattern at night for camouflage. FishBase records that it generally avoids heavy surge areas.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2016).