Cornetfish

The cornetfishes or flutemouths are a small family, the Fistulariidae, of extremely elongated fishes in the order Syngnathiformes. The family consists of a single genus, Fistularia, with four species, found worldwide in tropical and subtropical marine environments.

Cornetfish Temporal range: 33–0 Ma Early Oligocene to Present PreꞒ Ꞓ O S D C P T J K Pg N
Fistularia commersonii
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Syngnathiformes
Suborder:	Aulostomoidei
Superfamily:	Aulostomoidea
Family:	Fistulariidae Blainville, 1818
Genus:	Fistularia Linnaeus, 1758
Type species
Fistularia tabacaria Linnaeus, 1758
Species
See text.
Synonyms
Cannorynchus Cantor, 1849 Flagellaria Gronow, 1854 Solenostomus Gill, 1861

Ranging up to 2 m (6.6 ft) in length, cornetfishes are as thin and elongated as many eels, but are distinguished by very long snouts, distinct dorsal and anal fins, and forked caudal fins whose center rays form a lengthy filament. The lateral line is well-developed and extends onto the caudal filament.

They generally live in coastal waters or on coral reefs, where they feed on small fishes, crustaceans, and other invertebrates.

Cornetfish are of minor interest for fishing, and can be found in local markets within their range.

Currently, four recognized species are placed in this genus:

• Fistularia commersonii Rüppell, 1838 (blue-spotted or smooth cornetfish)
• Fistularia corneta C. H. Gilbert & Starks, 1904 (Pacific cornetfish)
• Fistularia petimba Lacépède, 1803 (red cornetfish)
• Fistularia tabacaria Linnaeus, 1758 (cornetfish or blue-spotted cornetfish)