Centriscus
Centriscus is a genus of marine fish in the family Centriscidae. These fish are commonly known as shrimpfish, snipefish, or trumpetfish. They are distinguished by their elongated, tubular snouts and compressed bodies, which resemble those of a shrimp or snipe bird.
Characteristics
Centriscus species are small fish, typically reaching lengths of 10 to 20 centimeters. They are characterized by:
- A long, pointed snout with a small mouth at the end.
- A compressed body shape, resembling a shrimp or snipe bird.
- Large, protruding eyes.
- A single dorsal fin located far back on the body.
- A small, rounded caudal fin (tail fin).
- A variety of colors, ranging from silvery to reddish-brown, often with stripes or spots.
Environment
Centriscus species are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, primarily in the Indo-Pacific region. They are typically found in shallow, coastal waters, often near coral reefs or seagrass beds. They prefer habitats with a lot of cover, such as seagrass, algae, or coral, where they can hide from predators and ambush their prey.
Diet
Shrimpfish are carnivorous and feed mainly on small crustaceans, such as shrimp, copepods, and amphipods. They use their long snouts to probe into crevices and sediment, searching for their prey. They are known to use their bodies as camouflage, blending in with their surroundings to ambush prey.
References
For further information, please refer to the following websites: