Banded Pipefish, Dunckerocampus dactyliophorus (Bleeker, 1853)
Scientific name: Dunckerocampus dactyliophorus
Alternative name/s:
Ringed Pipefish
Ringed Pipefish
Click to enlarge image
The Banded Pipefish can be recognised by its pattern of red to blackish bars, by the presence of a distinct caudal (tail) fin, and by its very long snout. This species lives in caves and crevices and grows to a maximum length of 18 cm. The 12 cm long fish in the image was collected at 10 m depth on a coral slope in the Reef Islands, Solomon Islands.
Image: Jeff Williams
© Jeff Williams
© Jeff Williams
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Dunckerocampus
- Species
- dactyliophorus
- Order
- Syngnathiformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- The species grows to a maximum length of 18 cm.
Introduction
The Banded Pipefish can be recognised by its pattern of red to blackish bars. In Australia, it occurs in marine tropical waters of Australia.
Identification
The Banded Pipefish has red to blackish bars, a distinct caudal fin, and a very long snout.
Habitat
The species lives in caves and crevices.
Distribution
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia
References
- Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
