Corythoichthys amplexus Dawson & Randall, 1975
Brown-banded pipefish
Corythoichthys amplexus
photo by Steene, R.

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae
Max. size:  10 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 31 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: East Africa to Samoa, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef. Record from the Mascarenes (Ref. 9408) is apparently erroneous (Ref. 33390).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 22-30; Anal soft rays: 4-4. Description: Characterized by broad reddish-brown bands interspread with narrower pale bands; 10 caudal rays; rings 14 - 16 + 35 - 39; discontinuous superior trunk and tail ridges; straight lateral trunk ridge, ends near anal ring; continuous inferior trunk and tail ridges; length of snout 2.1-2.8 in head length; depth of snout 3.7-5.4 in snout length; head length 8.4-12.0 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Adults inhabit coral reefs (Ref. 9710). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). Males may be brooding at 5.0-5.5 cm SL (Ref. 5316). Also found in lagoons and seaward reefs (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 June 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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