Spotted Trunkfish
Scientific Name: Lactophrys bicaudalis
Category: fish
Brief Description
A triangular-shaped bony fish covered in a pattern of dark spots, commonly found hovering over coral reefs and seagrass beds.
Characteristics
Distinctive triangular body encased in a bony carapace. They have a white or creamy base color covered with numerous small black or dark brown spots. They lack pelvic fins and possess two small spines in front of the anal fin.
Habitat
Coral reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy bottoms in tropical and subtropical waters. They are native to the Western Atlantic, ranging from Florida and the Bahamas down to Brazil.
When to Find It
N/A
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Ecological Role
They are omnivores that feed on small invertebrates like crabs, shrimp, and tunicates, as well as algae and seagrass. They help control the population of reef invertebrates.
Easily Confused With
Smooth Trunkfish (Lactophrys triqueter) which lacks the spines in front of the anal fin and has a more dark/honeycomb pattern, and Buffalo Trunkfish.
Observation Tips
Look for them in shallow reefs or seagrass. They move slowly using their dorsal and anal fins for propulsion and are generally shy, retreating into crevices if approached too quickly.
Interesting Facts
Trunkfish are capable of secreting a toxin called pahutoxin from their skin when stressed, which can be lethal to other fish in enclosed spaces like aquariums.