Corythoichthys polynotatus Dawson, 1977
Many-spotted pipefish
photo by Tonozuka, T.

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae
Max. size:  16 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 5 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: known only from Palau and the Philippines. Recorded from Indonesia (Ref. 47567).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23-29; Anal soft rays: 4-4. Description: Characterized by generally yellowish color with fine reticulated pattern of black or greyish lines; trunk and tail with diffuse dark bars; white-edged pinkish to red caudal fin; 10 caudal rays; rings 16 - 17 + 32 - 36; discontinuous superior trunk and tail ridges; straight lateral trunk ridge, ends near anal ring; continuous inferior trunk and tail ridge; length of snout 2.0-2.2 in head length; head length 7.1-9.0 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Mainly found in shallow rubble lagoons with algae and seagrasses. Often intertidal, and usually in only a few meters depth (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: 11 January 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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