Bluespotted cornetfish

Has an elongated cylindrical mouth and body.

Scientific name	Fistularia commersonii
English name	Bluespotted cornetfish
Japanese name	青矢柄
Classification	Actinopterygii
Classification details	Gasterosteiformes Fistulariidae
Full length	1-1.6m
Distribution	Distributed in the Pacific and Indian oceans. It is also found in coastal areas of Japan.

Characteristics

A fish with an elongated cylindrical body and mouth. It has a greenish gray body color. Body color changes and sometimes bands appear. A thin central soft ray extends from between the caudal fins.

Origin of the name Yagara

The name Yagara is said to have been named after the shape of the arrow shaft, which is the shaft of an arrow. Definitely elongated.

Ecology

It preys on small fish and crustaceans by sucking them into its long, narrow mouth. It seems that the individual photographed was also foraging near the sandy seabed.

It swims slowly by twisting its body, but when it senses danger, it accelerates and escapes.

Habitat

Niijima Maehama

I photographed an individual swimming in the shallow waters of Niijima Maehama. It seemed to be foraging as it drifted loosely near the seafloor by itself. I got too close and it fled. I also found a few flocks of less than 50 cm in a nearby place.