Longspine snipefish

The Longspine snipefish, Bellowsfish, Common bellowsfish, snipefish, Spine trumpet fish, or trumpetfish, Macroramphosus scolopax, is a snipefish of the genus Macroramphosus, found in the Atlantic, Indian, and west Pacific Oceans, at depths of between 82.02 and 1958.50 ft (25 and 600 m). Its length is up to 7.87 in (20 cm).

The Longspine snipefish is a moderately elongated species with a tubular snout equal to about a quarter of the total body length. Towards the caudal fin the second spine of the dorsal fin is almost as long as the snout, and when folded flat overlooks the hind edge of the caudal fin. The rear edge of this spine is distinctly serrated. Due to the rigid body Longspine snipefish swim by undulating the soft dorsal and anal fins.

The color is pink-red above, paler below.

They feed on bottom-living invertebrates, but may also pick individual animals from the plankton.

Illustration by Dr Tony Ayling