Dunckerocampus dactyliophorus (Bleeker, 1853)
Ringed pipefish
Dunckerocampus dactyliophorus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Nerophinae
Max. size:  19 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 56 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, north to Japan (Ref. 559), south to Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20-26; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 4-4. Usually with one dark band crossing opercle (Ref. 4281). Description: Characterized by alternating dark brown to reddish and white bands; caudal fin red, white-edged with central yellow or white spot; 10 caudal rays; rings 15 - 17 + 18 - 22; discontinuous superior trunk and tail ridges; inferior trunk ridge ends on anal ring; lateral trunk ridge confluent with inferior tail ridge; length of snout 1.4-1.8 in head length; depth of snout 10.6-20.8 in snout length; head length 3.7-4.6 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Adults inhabit tide pools, lagoons, and outer reef slopes. Found in caves and crevices. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). Feeds on small invertebrates (Ref. 89972). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). Have been reared in captivity (Ref. 35416). Solitary, pairs or in small aggregations in caves or under ledges (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 28 June 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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