Dunckerocampus boylei Kuiter, 1998
Broad-banded Pipefish
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Nerophinae
Max. size:  16 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 20 - 95 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Indian Ocean: Red Sea, Mauritius and Tulamben, north coast of Bali, Indonesia. Expected to be wide ranging in the Indian Ocean and adjacent waters.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 21-21; Anal soft rays: 4-4. Broader bands and diagnostic caudal fin pattern (Ref. 48635). Description: Characterized by alternating brownish orange and white bands on head and body; caudal fin white-edged dusky orange; 10 caudal rays; rings 17 - 18 + 20 - 22; discontinuous superior trunk and tail ridges; inferior trunk ridge ending on anal ring; lateral trunk ridge confluent with inferior tail ridge; length of snout 1.5 in head length; depth of snout 9.8-10.0 in snout length; head length 4.5 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Adults prefer depths of about 25 m or more and is easily overlooked (Ref. 48635). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). Solitary or in pairs in caves and crevices (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 May 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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