Bentstick Pipefish (brown)

Trachyrhamphus bicoarctatus is a species of marine fish belonging to the family Syngnathidae. They can be found in reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy habitats throughout the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to New Caledonia and from Japan to Australia.

Description

It has a long snout and a head that projects at a slight angle to the body. Its colouration is variable from from whitish to yellowish, greenish, brown or black, usually with fine speckling and a series of pale saddles.

It often raise itself off the bottom, bending its head at an angle to feed on zooplankton drifting by in the current.

Distribution

Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to New Caledonia, north to southern Japan; Mariana Islands in Micronesia.

Habitat and biology

It inhabits subtidal lagoon and seaward reefs, usually among algae or seagrasses. Most are seen on sand and mud areas, prone to currents; usually soft bottom to about 25 m.

Ovoviviparous. The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail. Males of this species are considered mature when they reach approximately 26 centimeters long, but adults can grow to be lengths of 40 centimeters. Reproduction occurs through ovoviviparity in which males brood eggs before giving live birth.