WILDLIFE OF THE SOLWAY FIRTH [97] The Snipefish
Wildlife of The Solway Firth [97]
The Snipefish
Macroramphosus scopolax
by Mark Vollers, Lake District Coast Aquarium
This easily recognisable fish is also known as the Bellows or Trumpet fish and is widespread in Tropical and subtropical seas, extending its range Northwards as far as Southwest Britain as sea temperatures rise. So, finding them in the Irish Sea is unlikely but certainly possible!
Rarely seen because it is small and lives offshore at depths below 10m, it has a long tubular snout that comprises about 1/3rd of its body length – a body part that it has visually in common with seahorses too. They are in fact related!
This tube-like mouth is perfect for snapping up small invertebrates, which juveniles find near the surface and as adults nearer the sea-bed, favouring sandy muddy areas. Copepods will be the main prey.
They are able to rotate their heads to strike at prey in two milliseconds thanks to a unique elastic recoil-powered feeding mechanism.
Snipefish have a large dorsal spine which male fish can raise and use aggressively to spar with other males as part of mating behaviour.
Young Snipefish are surface dwelling and are as a result vulnerable to and an important prey species for seabirds like terns.
In the Maryport Aquarium we generally have a small shoal of them. They are social and very active, so make a great and unusual display, swimming with a head down attitude and prospecting about with their large eyes, which will be well adapted to living at depth in low light.
Visit the Lake District Coast Aquarium facebook page to learn more about amazing wildlife on the Solway Coast.
www.facebook.com/maryport.aquarium
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