very close view of a small pipefish (#20A)


This pipefish is only about 3 1/2 inches in length (9 cm). Typically found foraging near the bottom in shallow waters among coral rubble, pipefish are long and slender like a sea snake or perhaps a trumpetfish, though comparatively small. Belonging to the same scientific family as seahorses (family
Syngnathidae), they are similar in appearance to seahorses, with small fins, rigid bodies, and rough skin texture.

Identification: most likely
Corythoichthys polynotatus, common name "Yellow-spotted pipefish"

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