Siokunichthys nigrolineatus Dawson, 1983
Mushroom-coral pipefish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae
Max. size:  8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 20 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 30-32. Description: Characterized by having uniformly white color except thin dark band through eye; absence of anal fin; 10 caudal rays; rings 14 + 53-55; continuous superior trunk and tail ridges; inferior trunk ridge ends at anal ring; confluent lateral trunk ridge with inferior tail ridge; length of snout 3.5-3.8 in head length; depth of snout 1.1 in snout length; head length 15.0-16.1 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits coastal reefs, usually along the bottom of shallow drop-offs, and in small groups on the solitary coral. Apparently commensal with solitary corals (e.g. Fungia echinata). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). Also found among tentacles of mushroom corals (often Heliofungia actiniformes ) (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 29 June 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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