Choeroichthys cinctus Dawson, 1976
Barred shortbody pipefish
Choeroichthys cinctus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Nerophinae
Max. size:  8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 10 - 40 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Indonesia to Samoa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 22-26; Anal soft rays: 4-4. Pale white to yellowish with distinct black barring on the trunk, followed by spots on the tail (Ref. 48635). Description: Characterized by rings 15 + 20 - 22; 10 caudal rays; continuous superior trunk and tail ridge; inferior trunk ridge ends on anal ring; lateral trunk ridge and inferior tail ridge confluent; no keels in scutella; length of snout 1.7-1.9 in head length; depth of snout 5.5-7.0 in snout length; head length 3.4-3.9 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found in sheltered reef habitats, usually in crevices with sponges and in depths over 10 m (Ref. 48635). 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 3.8 cm SL. Solitary (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 17 March 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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