Yawning Trumpetfish....

[Marriard]

On a slow day of diving in January in Boynton Beach, Florida this Trumpetfish (Aulostomus maculatus) let me follow him around for a good 10-12 minutes. I am now convinced that the vertical swimming when not used amongst sea rods but used during a 'hunt' is opne water is not an ambush tactic but rather an easier way to observe the reef and ocean floor for food. Has anyone else seen this hunting behaviour?

Anyway, after an attack at something I couldn't see, he was kind enough to do the extended jaw 'yawn' and let me take a decent image or two....

Standard Trumpetfish image...

Enjoy,
M

 

[Azotomix]

ciao
always interesting fish to look at. Especially when they strike the attack.

Nice pic... the third one is the one i like the most. Clear image and nice colour contrast

 

[Jcsgt]

Nice job, Marriard!

 

[justleesa]

very cool! never seen them with an open mouth

 

[SeaYoda]

Very nice.