Dunckerocampus multiannulatus (Regan, 1903)
Many-banded pipefish
photo by Field, R.

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Nerophinae
Max. size:  19 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 45 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea and Sodwana Bay, South Africa to the Chagos Islands and Maldives.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20-23; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 4-4. Usually with 4-5 dark bands crossing opercle (Ref. 4281). Description: Characterized by numerous alternating dark brown to reddish and pale (white to light grey) bands; caudal fin dusky red and white-edged; 10 caudal rays; rings 16 + 19 - 20; discontinuous superior trunk and tail ridges; inferior trunk ridge ends on anal ring; lateral trunk ridge confluent with inferior tail ridge; length of snout 1.4-1.7 in head length; depth of snout 10.4-15.6 in snout length; head length 3.6-4.7 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Common among coral and in reef caves and crevices; usually found in pairs. Nearly always seen swimming upside down against ceiling of caves (Ref. 48635). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 May 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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