Corythoichthys haematopterus (Bleeker, 1851)
Messmate pipefish
photo by Koch, R.J.

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae
Max. size:  19.8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 21 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa to Vanuatu, north to southern Japan southward to Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23-33; Anal soft rays: 4-4. Fine lines on the head and series of spots over the back and along trunk; caudal fin mainly pink (Ref. 48635). Description: Characterized by rings 16 - 17 + 33 - 35; 10 caudal rays; discontinuous superior trunk and tail ridges; straight lateral trunk ridge, ends near anal ring; continuous inferior trunk and tail ridges; length of snout 1.9-2.4 in head length; depth of snout 3.8-8.0 in snout length; head length 6.3-9.4 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Adults inhabit shallow protected areas of rubble and sand (Ref. 37816), usually semi-silty zones (Ref. 48635). Occur more commonly at depths between 0 and 3 m. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). Males carry the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). Males may be brooding at 9.0 cm SL. Adults nearly always in pairs (Ref. 48635). Solitary, pairs or in small groups (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 02 December 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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