About Aulostomus chinensis (Linnaeus, 1766)
Aulostomus chinensis is a medium-sized fish that can reach a maximum length of 80 cm. It has an elongated, laterally compressed body with a long, tubular snout, which bears a small barbel at its lower tip. Its protrusible mouth can extend forward to capture prey. The dorsal fin is split into two parts on the posterior upper portion of the body: the forward anterior first part is made up of isolated spines, while the second rear part is a small ray fin. This second dorsal fin matches the shape of the anal fin, which sits directly beneath it. Small pelvic fins are located mid-body, and each bears a single black spot at its base. Body coloration ranges from uniform to mottled, in shades of grey, brown, or dark green. Some individuals are solid bright yellow. The rear portion of the body is typically black and covered in white dots, and two black spots are present on the tail. The combined structure of the elongated caudal peduncle and caudal fin is yellowish, regardless of the fish's overall body color. The caudal fin usually has two round black spots: at least one black spot is always present on the upper section, and a second spot sometimes appears on the lower section. This species occurs in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, but is not found in the Red Sea. It inhabits clear, calm waters around rocky and coral reefs, ranging from the surface down to 120 meters deep. It has also been observed around Bonaire.
