Mushroom-coral Pipefish

Siokunichthys nigrolineatus is a species of pipefishes native to the Pacific Ocean. It has a commensal relationship with mushroom corals of the genus Fungia.

Description

Characterized by having uniformly white color except thin dark band through eye; absence of anal fin; 10 caudal rays; rings 14 + 53-55; continuous superior trunk and tail ridges; inferior trunk ridge ends at anal ring; confluent lateral trunk ridge with inferior tail ridge; length of snout 3.5-3.8 in head length; depth of snout 1.1 in snout length; head length 15.0-16.1 in SL.

Distribution

Western Central Pacific: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines.

Habitat

Inhabits coastal reefs, usually along the bottom of shallow drop-offs, and in small groups on the solitary coral. Apparently commensal with solitary corals (e.g. Fungia echinata). Ovoviviparous. The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail. Also found among tentacles of mushroom corals (often Heliofungia actiniformes). Male carries the eggs in a brood pouch.