Trumpet-fish, or SNIPE-FISH (Centriscus), a genus of fishes referred to the family Fistularidæ, or to a special family Centriscidæ. The compressed and somewhat oblong body is covered with small spiny scales; the toothless mouth lies at the end of an elongated tubular snout; the second ray of the first dorsal fin is a strong toothed spine, and the ventral fins, which lie in a groove, are also serrated. The fish measures about 5 inches in length; its colours are rose or reddish green above, silvery beneath. It sometimes occurs on the south coast of Britain, and is common in the warmer European waters. It is sometimes called sea-snipe, and, as this suggests, is esteemed a delicacy, and is often to be seen in the markets of Italy. The name 'trumpeter' is also given to a well-flavoured New Zealand fish (Latris hecateia), not far removed in relationship from the Scorpaenidæ.