About Corythoichthys amplexus Dawson & Randall, 1975
Corythoichthys amplexus, commonly known as the brown-banded pipefish, is a species of marine fish in the family Syngnathidae. The brown-banded pipefish is widespread across the tropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific region, ranging from the eastern coast of Africa to the western Pacific; it extends north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to the Great Barrier Reef. Recorded sightings from South Africa and Madagascar still need verification. This is a secretive species that lives in coral reefs, lagoons, harbours, and open sandy flats. It can also be found in rubble along reef edges, and in small patches of reef surrounded by sandy flats. It occurs at depths up to 10 metres (33 ft), and feeds on small crustaceans. Adult brown-banded pipefish form monogamous pairs, and the species is ovoviviparous. Males brood fertilised eggs in a brood pouch located under their tail. The brood pouch covers the dorsal surface and sides of the egg mass, leaving the ventral surface exposed. Males become capable of brooding once they reach a total length of 57 millimetres (2.2 in). The egg mass forms 2 to 17 transverse rows held within a gelatinous matrix. This species is traded for the aquarium trade. Like other pipefishes and seahorses, it may also be dried and traded for use in traditional medicine, or sold as a curiosity.
