Corythoichthys intestinalis (Ramsay, 1881)
Scribbled pipefish
Corythoichthys intestinalis
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae
Max. size:  16 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 20 - 68 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Borneo to Samoa, north to Marshall and Mariana Islands, south to Rowley Shoals and New Caledonia; throughout Micronesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 26-32; Anal soft rays: 4-4. Description: Characterized by whitish to pale yellowish ground color; black-banded snout; diffuse brown bars on body with wavy brown to black stripes; 10 caudal rays; rings 15 - 17 + 31 - 37; discontinuous superior trunk and tail ridges straight lateral trunk ridge, ends near anal ring; continuous inferior trunk and tail ridges; length of snout 1.8-2.4 in head length; depth of snout 3.9-8.9 in snout length; head length 6.6-9.8 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Adults occur in shallow sandy or mixed sand, rubble, or coral areas of reef flats and lagoons, also sometimes on seaward reefs (Ref. 1602). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). Males may be brooding at 6.5-7.0 cm SL. Usually in pairs or may form small aggregations (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 17 December 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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