Ringback Pipefish, Stipecampus cristatus (McCulloch & Waite 1918)

Scientific name: Stipecampus cristatus
Ringback Pipefish, <i>Stipecampus cristatus</i> Click to enlarge image
A Ringback Pipefish, Stipecampus cristatus, at a depth of 4m, Flinders Pier, Westernport Bay, Victoria, 7 November 2012. Image: Sascha Schulz
© Sascha Schulz

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Stipecampus
    Species
    cristatus
    Family
    Syngnathidae
    Order
    Syngnathiformes
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    It grows to about 25 cm in length.

Introduction

The Ringback Pipefish is an Australian endemic species.

Identification

The species can be recognised by its yellowish to brownish colouration with paler bars or blotches across the back.

Distribution

Bass Strait to South Australia.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. 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.
  2. Kuiter, R.H. 2009. Seahorses and their relatives. Aquatic Photographics. Pp. 333.