The Tube-snout, Aulorhynchus flavidus is a species of fish related to the sticklebacks. It is the only species in the family Aulorhynchidae and is found in shallow marine waters off the Pacific coast of North America to a depth of 30 metres (98 ft). This species grows to a length of 18 centimetres (7.1 in) TL.
This species physically resemble sticklebacks, but has a thinner, longer, body 24 to 27 small spines in front of the dorsal fin. It also possess a slender snout, hence the common name. Like the sticklebacks, they feed on small invertebrates and fish larvae.
Also, like sticklebacks, they produce a sticky secretion from their kidneys when breeding. Whereas sticklebacks use this secretion to bind plant matter together to create a nest, the tube-snouts simply attach their eggs to a substrate. Aulorhynchus attaches its eggs to kelp.
This species finds use as a denizen in public aquariums.
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