There are a number of fish that have long snouts, including a few species that you may not have heard of before. These include the Birdmouth wrasse, Vegrandichthys coitecus, and the Tanyrhinichthys sp.
Vegrandichthys coitecus gen. et sp., nov.
Vegrandichthys coitecus is a long-snout fish with a moderately elongated trunk. It is one of the first formally studied long-snout enchodontids from the Americas.
The specimen consists of a partial body with an almost complete caudal fin. The lateral line of scales, the articulation between the lower jaw and quadrate, and the anterior limbs of the vertebrae are missing. A gracile specimen is also present which is incomplete in the posterior part of the body.
The head is relatively small and rounded, and is adorned with tubercles that ornament the opercle. An additional strengthening longitudinal crest is found in the preopercle. The premaxilla is a triangular flat bone that extends for three quarters of the jaw. There are evenly spaced teeth in the premaxilla, whereas the maxilla has only a single row of small conical teeth.
The predorsal scutes series is comprised of four large ovoid scutes with tubercles. These are accompanied by a prominent medial keel.
The anal fin is composed of thirteen rod-like proximal pterygiophores. Each ray of the anal fin is longitudinally grooved.
Tanyrhinichthys
Tanyrhinichthys is a long-lived bottom dwelling fish which lived in New Mexico 300 million years ago. It is a ray fin fish which is related to the goblin shark. It is probably no surprise that the fish lived a long life considering it was a predator.
The snout was one of its defining characteristics. The best thing about a protuberant snout is that it aided the fish in lunging at its prey. This is especially true in the context of an ambush. On the other hand, the snout’s many canal-like channels suggest that the fish was capable of detecting vibrations and thus allowing the creature to eat its fill. As such, the snout was probably a very smart and intelligent one.
A snout like this one eludes to a fish worthy of a closer look. It would make an interesting study in its own right. In fact, it has been observed that the fish is still alive and well in the fossil rich seas of the Atlantic Ocean.
Pipefish
Pipefish with a long snout are a type of pipefish. These fish are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the ocean. They live in lagoons, coral reefs, and seagrass beds.
A snout is used to grasp and capture small prey. The snout is often long and slender. Some pipefish have a prehensile tail. Another feature of the snout is a small mouth. It is similar to a seahorse’s snout.
In addition to the snout, some pipefish also have a fin. Some of these features are inherited from their ancestors. Several species have a ring around their body and are commonly colored with bright colors. Other pipefish can change their color to adapt to their surroundings.
The majority of pipefish have a single dorsal fin. This makes them slow and steady swimmers. They generally rely on gentle currents. During winter, they may migrate to deeper waters.
Long snout pipefish are best kept in aquariums that are customized to their habitat. These fish are sensitive to temperature changes and should not be kept in all-purpose tanks. You should also choose an aquarium with a PH of 7.5 to 8.0.
Birdmouth wrasse
The Birdmouth Wrasse is a very popular aquarium fish. These fish have an elongated snout with a distinctive beak-like appearance. They have a pearly white belly and an orangey upper part of their spout.
Their diet consists of small invertebrates, crustaceans, and meaty seafood. They can be found in the Indo-Pacific waters. In captivity, the bird wrasse is a great addition to predatory reef tanks. It also makes a good beginner fish.
Although there is no evidence that they mate in the aquarium, there have been reports of possible mating rituals in tanks. Males and females often congregate on the surface of the tank, releasing gametes.
This wrasse is considered a hardy species. It is also an easy fish to care for. Ideally, it should be kept in an aquarium with at least 125 gallons of water and a good quality substrate. Ensure that the water is kept clear and brisk.
When in the tank, the Bird Wrasse will be active, constantly on the move. During mealtimes, the bird wrasse will outcompete slower-moving species for prey.