SYNGNATHIDAE


Choeroichthys brachysoma, 4.3 cm SL
(photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin)


Choeroichthys brachysoma
(Bleeker, 1855)
Short-bodied Pipefish

D 18-26; A 4; P1 18-23. Trunk rings 14-18; tail rings 17-20.

Superior trunk and tail ridges continuous, inferior trunk and tail ridges discontinuous, lateral trunk ridge confluent with inferior tail ridge; median dorsal snout ridge entire. Caudal-fin rays 10; dorsalfin origin on trunk, anal fin present, pectoral fins absent. Color: tan to dark brown with parallel of small black spots in series along trunk, and some white speckles; usually with a dark lateral stripe on snout and opercle. Size: maximum length about 7 cm. Distribution: Indo-Pacific, from Red Sea and East Africa to Society Islands, north to the Phillipines and Guam, south to northern Australia. Remarks: found in tide pool, seagrass, and coral reef areas to depths of 25 m.