The banded pipefish or ringed pipefish (Dunckerocampus dactyliophorus) is a species of fish in the Syngnathidae (seahorses and pipefish) family.[3][2]
Distribution and habitat
The banded pipefish is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, Red Sea included.[2] Its range includes Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Indonesia, Japan, the Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Northern Mariana Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, South Africa, and Taiwan.[1] It inhabits tide pools, lagoons, and outer reef slopes in tropical climates.[2]
Description
The banded pipefish has a straight, elongated body which reaches a maximum length of 19 cm (7.4 in).[2] It has fleshy streams coming back from its head. These trails are thought to be mechanisms of camouflage for the pipefish whilst hiding in reeds.[4]
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Banded pipefish -
Banded pipefish -
Skeleton of a banded pipefish (Museum of Osteology)
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Reproduction
Similar to the other seahorses and pipefishes, the male banded pipefish is equipped with a specialised , rather than the female.[5] The female deposits her eggs in the male's pouch, where they develop. The male later gives birth.[6]
References
- ^ a b Pollom, R. (2017) [errata version of 2016 assessment]. "Dunckerocampus dactyliophorus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T6814A115083653. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T6814A67621462.en.
- ^ a b c d e Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Dunckerocampus dactyliophorus". FishBase. October 2015 version.
- ^ "Fish.gov.au". Archived from the original on 22 July 2008. Retrieved 10 July 2008.
- ^ Günter Berghaus (2004). New Perspectives on Prehistoric Art. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 42. ISBN 978-0-275-97813-6.
- ^ Marshall Cavendish Corporation, ed. (2004). Encyclopedia of the Aquatic World. Marshall Cavendish. ISBN 978-0-7614-7418-0.
- ^ Blasiola, George C.; Matthew M. Vriends (2000). The Saltwater Aquarium Handbook. Barron's Educational Series. ISBN 978-0-7641-1241-6.
