Corythoichthys conspicillatus
Corythoichthys conspicillatus, the reticulate pipefish, is a species of pipefish from the family Syngnathidae.
Corythoichthys conspicillatus | |
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Banda Aceh, Indonesia | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Syngnathiformes |
Family: | Syngnathidae |
Genus: | Corythoichthys |
Species: | C. conspicillatus |
Binomial name | |
Corythoichthys conspicillatus (Jenyns, 1842) | |
Synonyms[1] | |
Syngnathus conspicillatus Jenyns, 1842 |
Taxonomy
This species is often confused with Corythoichthys flavofasciatus and the two were considered conspecific by some authorities[1] but it is now widely accepted as a valid species with C. flavofasciatus being restricted to the Red Sea.[2]
Distribution
This species is widespread in the tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to French Polynesia.[2]
Description
Corythoichthys conspicillatus can grow to a total length of 180 millimetres (7.1 in). These pipefishes have reddish to reddish-brown and yellow bands on their body which have a reticulated pattern of lines superimposed on them, there are red spots on the snout, and the tail is pink to reddish with a white margin. The males have a bluish-black blotch around their anus which becomes more intense in colour during courtship.
Biology and habitat
Corythoichthys conspicillatus can be found in seagrass beds or in sandy and rubble areas on sheltered reefs at depths of 1–25 metres (3.3–82.0 ft). It is normally seen in pairs or small groups.[2]
References
- Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2018). "Corythoichthys conspicillatus" in FishBase. February 2018 version.
- Thompson, Vanessa J. & Dianne J. Bray. "Corythoichthys conspicillatus". Fishes of Australia. Museums Victoria. Retrieved 27 May 2018.