Adults inhabit shallow protected areas of rubble and sand , usually semi-silty zones . They occur more commonly at depths between 0 and 3 m. Ovoviviparous . Males carry the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail . Males may be brooding at 9.0 cm SL. Solitary, in pairs or in small groups (Ref 90102) but adults are nearly always in pairs . Monogamous and always in home-ranging pairs, that is they do not defend an exclusive territory .
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23 - 33; Anal soft rays: 4. Fine lines on the head and series of spots over the back and along trunk; caudal fin mainly pink . : eel-like; Cross section: angular.
Behavioural data for Messmate pipefish is currently being reviewed.
Monogamous mating is observed as both obligate and genetic . Male carries the eggs in a brood pouch .
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 0 - 21 m . Tropical; 32°N - 27°S, 34°E - 170°W East Africa to Vanuatu, north to southern Japan southward to Australia.
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corythoichthys hematopterus | Bleeker | 1851 | Synonym |
| Corythroichthys elerae | Evermann & Seale | 1907 | Synonym |
| Corythroichthys isigakius | Jordan & Snyder | 1901 | Synonym |
| Ichthyocampus papuensis | Sauvage | 1880 | Synonym |
| Syngnathus crenulatus | Weber | 1913 | Synonym |
| Syngnathus fasciatus | Gray | 1830 | Heterotypic |
| Syngnathus haematopterus | Bleeker | 1851 | Synonym |
The following diseases are known to affect Messmate pipefish.
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 23 records indexed .
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