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Fish. Spotted trunkfish are shy but curious fish that swim slowly above reefs, often hovering under ledges or over small holes. They prefer warm temperatures between 22 and 26 degrees C (72 and 79 F) and depths between 4.5 and 18 meters (15 and 60 ft). Trunkfish are protected by a bony outer surface that acts as body armor and includes two sharp spines guarding their rear fins. The rigid outer structure helps protect spotted trunkfish from predators, but they are poor swimmers because of their rigidity and bulky shape. At maturity they average 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in) in length. |
| Scientific
Name |
Lifespan |
| Lactophrys bicaudalis |
6 to 12 years |
| Diet |
| Omnivore. Needs both meat and vegetables. Especially mollusks, algae, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, marine plants and crustaceans. |
| Predators and Threats |
| Larger marine animals. |
| Habitat |
| Clear water around coral reefs and seagrass beds of the western Atlantic Ocean. Ranging from southeastern United States (Florida) to Brazil, including the Caribbean and parts of the Gulf of Mexico. |
