Softcoral Pipefish, Siokunichthys breviceps

Scientific name: Siokunichthys breviceps
Softcoral Pipefish, <i>Siokunichthys breviceps</i> Click to enlarge image
A Softcoral Pipefish, Siokunichthys breviceps, at a depth of 12 m, Raja Ampat, Indonesia, 25 January 2013. Thank you to Rudie Kuiter for his help identifying the fish. Image: Jayne Jenkins
© Jayne Jenkins

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Siokunichthys
    Species
    breviceps
    Family
    Syngnathidae
    Order
    Syngnathiformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    It grows to about 15 cm in length.

Identification

Softcoral Pipefish from the Western Pacific have a banded pattern.

Habitat

In soft corals in coastal waters to depths of about 10 m.

Distribution

It is believed to occur in the Western Indian and Western Pacific regions. The 'species' may actually be two similar species that are being called the same name. More research is required.

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.