Masters of Deception: Trumpetfish Harness Camouflage to Ambush Prey

Trumpetfish have been observed using other species of fish as camouflage to approach their prey undetected. Researchers from the University of Cambridge created 3D models of trumpetfish and parrotfish to study this behavior. When the model of the trumpetfish was attached to the side of the parrotfish model, the prey fish inspected the models for a shorter duration and fled only when the models were closer. This shadowing behavior allows trumpetfish to reduce detection by their prey and approach closer before provoking an avoidance response. The study provides insights into how animals achieve concealment and highlights the potential impact of coral reef degradation on animal behavior.