hiemalora is a fossil of the ediacaran biota , reaching around 3 cm in diameter , which superficially resembles a sea anemone .

the genus has a sack-like body with faint radiating lines originally interpreted as tentacles , but discovery of a frond-like structure seemingly attached to some heimalora has added weight to a competing interpretation : that it represents the holdfast of a larger organism .

this interpretation would stand against its original classification in the medusoid cnidaria ; it would also consign a once-popular hypothesis placing hiemalora in the chondrophores , on the basis of its tentacle structure , to the dustbin .

studies testing the feasibility of hypothesis investigated the possibilities that such fragile tentacles could be preserved , and concluded that it would be very improbable — especially as many hiemalora bearing beds also contain such fossils as cyclomedusa , but do not preserve the tentacles on these organisms .

heimalora has been identified in a wide range of facies and locations globally .

hiemalora

hiemalora cf . stellaris fedonkin , 1984 , pl . 5 , fig . 5 .
hiemalora pleiomorpha dzik , 2003 , p . 124 , fig . 10b ( only ) .
hiemalora stellaris fedonkin , 1984 , p . 42 - 43 , pl . 5 , fig . 3 .
hiemalora stellaris gureev , 1988 , p . 69 , pl . 13 , figs . 2 , 3 .
hiemalora pleiomorphus runnegar and fedonkin , 1992 , p . 387 , fig . 7 . 7 . 5c .
hiemalora aff . h . pleiomorphus narbonne , 1994 , p . 412 , fig . 3 . 1 .
hiemalora stellaris sokolov , 1997 , p . 134 - 135 , pl . 18 , fig . 3 .
hiemalora narbonne , dalrymple , and gehling , 2001 , p . 33 , 60 , 65 , 67 .
tentaculate discs with possible affinities to hiemalora , o’brien and king , 2004a , p . 209 - 210 , pl . 5b .
hiemalora martin , grazhdankin , bowring , evans , fedonkin , and kirschvink , 2000 , p . 843 - 844 , fig . 4d .
? hiemalora sp . farmer , vidal , moczydlowska , strauss , ahlberg , and siedlecka , 1992 , p . 189 , fig . 5a - b .
hiemalora fedonkin , 1982 is based on cosmopolitan fossils of the late vendian ( ediacaran ) neoproterozoic sequences . there is no consensus on the nature and systematic position of these organisms . taphonomic and morphological observations of extensive collections of hiemalora pleiomorphus from khatyspyt formation ( arctic siberia ) indicate that this fossil is just a part of an unknown organism . most probably hiemalora represents a form with a thick - walled body , possessing a cone - like attachment bearing radial processes that resemble sponge root offshoots or algal rhizoids . originally these structures penetrated the soft sediment and served as anchors as well as a source of symbiotic nutrition . various imprints of hiemalora could represent different sections of conic - shaped bodies . probably , there were several organisms referred to as hiemalora that had a similar substrate attachment organ .
hiemalora stellaris fedonkin in sokolov and ivanowskiy , 1990 , v . 1 , p . 90 - 91 , pl . 7 , figs . 1 , 6 .
figure 11 - reported world occurrences of hiemalora . 1 , sekwi brook ; 2 , avalon ; 3 , bonavista ; 4 , wales ; 5 , tanafjord ; 6 , white sea ; 7 , podolia ; 8 , olenek uplift ; 9 , ediacara ; 10 , questionable hiemalora in vindhyan supergroup . for references , see synonymy .
hiemalora stellaris fedonkin in sokolov and ivanovskiy , 1985 , v . 1 , p . 84 , pl . 7 , figs . 1 , 6 , fig . 7a .
discussion . - hiemalora has not previously been reported as having an attached frond . we here recognize a new genus that is distinct from hiemalora only by the presence of an attached stem and frondose superstructure . the situation is analogous to the practice of regarding aspidella and charniodiscus as separate taxa , depending on the basis of the presence or absence of an identifiable frond , as the genus of frond cannot be guessed from the preservation of only the holdfast ; both aspidella and hiemalora are viewed as form or organ taxa .
the one below it was thought to possibly be a member of the cnidaria by virtue of its tentacle - like structures . given that cyclomedsa is not found with preserved tentacles , hiemalora is now thought to be the anchor of some larger , as yet unknown creature .
lastly , de ( 2003 ) reported on two questionable hiemalora specimens from the upper vindhyan bhander group northwest of satna , central india . the illustrated specimens are not distinct enough to have confidence in their attribution to this genus , and they are not included in the synonymy .
all fossils come with a free certificate of authentication name : hiemalora stellaris age : mt . simon complex , lower uppe , cambrian location : marathon county , wisconsin , united states this specimen is sold loose . this fossil would make an ideal display piece . a rare collectible specimen .
material from the catalina area illustrated in this paper contributes new information on two aspects of the hiemalora enigma : function and original morphology . it bears on the long - standing question of whether the radiating structures are tentacles , roots , or traces . at least two specimens on the same bedding plane in the mistaken point formation at locality 5 , and another two in the fermeuse formation at localities 21 and 26 , show a tripartite arrangement ( fig . 12 ) : a disc with radial appendages that is indistinguishable from hiemalora , with an attached stalk , which in turn merges distally with an abraded , partially preserved frond . unfortunately , the detail of the fronds is insufficient to allow their attribution to any of the frondose forms known from newfoundland or elsewhere . these candelabra - like fossils with a hiemalora base are next described separately under primocandelabrum hiemaloranum n . gen . and sp .
martin et al . ( 2000 , fig . 4d ) illustrated a specimen of hiemalora from the white sea coast that very clearly portrays multiple branching , with one or more short branches diverging at angles of 300 - 60 [ degrees ] from the main strand . as already stated , the form was interpreted as a trace fossil .
it should be noted that hiemalora individuals without fronds in the catalina area are , in places , closely associated with , and seem to intergrade with , identical discs that are relatively quite smooth and that bear only a few faint , or no , ray - like radial markings ( fig . 7 . 4 ) . these structures could be regarded as simple , atypical , unornamented aspidella .
farmer et al . ( 1992 , fig . 5a , 5b ) illustrated , along with other body fossils , some low epireliefs from the stappogiedde formation in finnmark , northern norway , and attributed them to hiemalora sp . , but provided no further description . the specimens have a poorly defined central disc ~ 1 cm across , surrounded by a dense fringe of somewhat ragged - looking , radial appendages .
figure 10 - morphometry data of retrodeformed specimens of hiemalora in catalina area . 1 , scatter plot of mean ray length ( d ) vs . disc diameter ( d ) , and selected ratios of d / d . 2 , scatter plot of number of rays vs . disc diameter . 3 , frequency histogram of d / d ratio ; compare with fig . 5 of serezhnikova ( 2005 ) .
discussion . - the morphology of the basal disc with radiating processes coincides with that of hiemalora , and the two would be indistinguishable were it not for the presence of an attached stem and frond . the candelabra - like form with the radiating processes on the basal disc thus may have an important bearing on the interpretation of hiemalora insofar as the radiating appendages in the latter have been explained alternatively as tentacles and as rooting structures . the new bonavista material supports the case for the latter interpretation , if , indeed the two taxa represent different degrees of preservation of one type of organism . if so , one should look for evidence for the presence of an attached stem in specimens previously referred to hiemalora . on the other hand , the two taxa may be distinct despite the morphologic resemblance of the ray - bearing discs . the candelabra - like organisms were attached to the seafloor , and were felled in the same direction as nearby charnia and charniodiscus specimens . as with specimens of uiese latter frondose genera on the avalon peninsula , preservation quality is best for the basal disc and progressively deteriorates towards the distal portion , a taphonomic effect due to diachronous burial of an erect frondose organism ( laflamme et al . , 2004 , p . 829 ) .
we here provide an interim overview of 40 localities while more detailed studies are continuing . the fossils comprise more than a dozen taxa , most of which are also represented on the avalon peninsula . the most common and longest - ranging is aspidella terranovica . other long - ranging and widespread forms are bradgatia boynton and ford , 1995 , charnia ford , 1958 , charniodiscus ford , 1958 , hiemalora fedonkin , 1982 , and ivesheadia boynton and ford , 1996 , all of which ( excepting hiemalora ) are also characteristic of the charnwood forest area in england , from where , in fact , they were first described . fractofusus is rare in the mistaken point and fermeuse formations , but abundant at some levels in the trepassey formation , and unknown in the renews head formation and in the charnian of england . fossils not previously encountered are also described and assigned to four new species and genera .
narbonne ( 1994 , fig . 3 . 1 ) classified a solitary , fragmentary specimen from the sheepbed formation in nw canada as hiemalora aff . h . pleiomorpha . the specimen is relatively large , has somewhat more relief than typical h . pleiomorpha , has densely packed appendages , some fine striations of uncertain significance on one edge of the central disc , and is preserved in positive hyporelief in turbiditic siliciclastics . it was interpreted as a semiinfaunal polyp impression .
fossils attributed to either species with different degrees of certainty are now known from the ediacaran in other parts of the world ( e . g . , ukraine , norway , nw and e canada , australia ; refer to synonymy ) ( fig . 11 ) . an early illustration of a disc with branching processes that has caused some workers to compare it to hiemalora is “medusina filamentus” from the rawnsley quartzite ( sprigg , 1949 , p . 90 , pi . 30 , fig . 1 , text - fig . 7d ) . sprigg interpreted the form as a medusoid . the illustration of the holotype shows a partial narrow concentric rim surrounding the central disc and the field with the radial processes , at a distance of about 3vi times the radius of the central disc . this is unlike hiemalora . the specimen was subsequently ascribed to pseudorhizostomites sprigg , 1949 , to which it is connected by transitional forms , according to glaessner and wade ( 1966 , p . 605 ) .
preservation of local detail in the frond of one specimen , more clearly seen in the latex mold than the specimen in outcrop , shows several oblique divisions spaced equally about 4 mm apart ( fig . 12 . 3 ) . the pattern is reminiscent of secondary branches in charnia and charniodiscus . the shape of the preserved frond portion of this specimen also resembles a stalked specimen of bradgatia from the trepassey formation , but which is without a clearly recognizable hiemalora - like base ( see fig . 19 . 4 under bradgatia ) .
the assemblage includes aspidella , blackbrookia , bradgatia , charnia , charniodiscus , fractofusus , hiemalora , and ivesheadia . these occur throughout the succession , with aspidella being the most common genus , followed by charnia and charniodiscus . four new taxa are described , with candelabra - like fossils with a hiemalora - like base referred to primocandelabrum hiemaloranum n . gen . and sp . , bush - like fossils to parviscopa bonavistensis n . gen . and sp . , ladder - like fossils to hadryniscala avalonica n . gen . and sp . , and string - like fossils with basal disc to hadrynichorde catalinensis n . gen . and sp . the remains also include dubiofossils . the stratigraphic ranges of some taxa on the bonavista peninsula are longer than previously reported from the avalon peninsula , with fractofusus spindles present in the trepassey formation , bradgatia , charnia , charniodiscus , and ivesheadia reaching as high as the fermeuse formation , and aspidella extending into the middle of the renews head formation . the spindles in the trepassey formation are comparable to those found mainly in the stratigraphically older briscal formation on the avalon peninsula .
figure 12 - outcrop views of primocandelabrum hiemaloranum n . gen . and sp . ( 1 - 4 ) and primocandelabrum sp . ( 5 ) . all photos retrodeformed ; bar scale divisions in cm . 1 , partial frond with well developed rays on basal disc . mistaken point formation , level f7 at locality 5 at 37 . 5 m e ( see fig . 3 . 2 ) . holotype nfm f - 484 . 2 , large partial specimen . fermeuse formation , locality 26 . lighting from right paratype nfm f - 485 . 3 , detail view of latex mold made from frond of specimen of primocandelabrum hiemaloranum n . gen . and sp . in part 2 , showing rhythmically spaced transverse markings , probably representing secondary branches . photo is printed as mirror image to show same orientation as in part 2 . paratype nfm f - 485 . 4 , abraded frond with faint hiemalora - like base . fermeuse formation , locality 21 . lighting from right paratype nfm f - 486 . 5 , partial frond with aspidella - like base . trepassey formation , locality 20 .
description : this spectacular death assemblage predates the cambrian explosion by tens of millions of years . many early attempts at diversity were present during this time , both here and in the ediacara fauna of the flinders ranges of australia . many strange forms were present , some of which still do not have any parallels in modern times . these jellyfish - like examples are one that is relatively easy to attribute to descendants alive today . the incredible soft - bodied preservation is believed to be the result of impressions made in a microbial mat contained within the sand . there is debate about the true nature of both these examples . cyclomedusa was initially thought to be a pelagic jellyfish , but is now more likely a benthic organism much like a sea anemone .
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abstract - newly found fossils in the conception and st . john’s groups of the bonavista peninsula considerably extend the known geographic distribution of the ediacaran fossils in newfoundland . they occur in deepwater sediments and are preserved as epireliefs , forming census populations underneath volcanic ash layers throughout a more than 1 km thick turbiditic sequence . the exposed fossiliferous units comprise the mistaken point , trepassey , fermeuse , and renews head formations . the remains are tectonically deformed , with long axes of elliptical discs aligned parallel to cleavage strike ; shortening of originally circular bedding surface features is on the order of 30 - 50 % ( averaging ~ 35 % ) .
the distinctive and problematic ediacaran fossils of soft - bodied organisms constitute a prominent marker in the history of the proterozoic biosphere , and a substantial biologic enigma as well . there is no unanimity as to their affinities . early interpretations placed forms like those found in newfoundland in the kingdom animalia , principally in the phylum cnidaria ( e . g . , glaessner , 1959 , 1984 ; anderson , 1978 ; fedonkin , 1981 ) , others have presented different interpretations . included among these are attributions to a separate extinct kingdom , vendozoa ( seilacher , 1989 ; later vendobionta , seilacher , 1992 ) , xenophyophorean protists ( zhuravlev , 1993 , seilacher et al . , 2003 ) , lichens ( retallack , 1994 ) , photosynthetic “metacellular” organisms ( mcmenamin , 1998 ) , colonies of prokaryota ( steiner and reitner , 2001 ) , and fungus - like organisms ( peterson et al . , 2003 ) . ediacaran fossils are now thought to be mostly metazoans . for a comprehensive recent review , see narbonne ( 2005 ) .
the assemblages in the different areas are characterized by disparate sedimentary environments and different preservation styles , as well as distinctive biotic compositions ( e . g . , narbonne , 1998 ; waggoner , 1999 ; grazhdankin , 2004 ) . ediacaran megafossils in northwestern canada , australia , and eastern europe occur typically as hyporeliefs in shallow water siliciclastics , whereas those in newfoundland , england , and finnmark are preserved as epireliefs in deepwater sediments , and those in namibia commonly are transported entities preserved as endoreliefs in storm - generated sandstone . some forms such as discs are cosmopolitan , whereas others of more complex morphology have more restricted distribution . for analyses of ediacaran assemblages , see the reviews by waggoner ( 1999 , 2003 ) and grazhdankin ( 2004 ) . the forms here described from the bonavista peninsula conform to what is known from the avalon peninsula - preserved on upper bedding surfaces in deep water turbiditic and shallowing - upward pro - deltaic sediments , below ashfall deposits .
although the avalon assemblage has received a great deal of study in recent years ( gehling et al . , 2000 , narbonne et al . , 2001 , clapham and narbonne , 2002 ; clapham et al . , 2003 , 2004 ; narbonne and gehling , 2003 ; wood et al . , 2003 ; narbonne , 2004 , 2005 ; laflamme et al . , 2004 ; ichaso et al . , 2007 ; gehling and narbonne , 2007 ; laflamme et al . , 2007 ) , much sustained effort will be required to resolve major questions concerning the biological affinities of the elements of this biota . studies by narbonne and his associates are continuing to contribute substantially in this regard . narbonne et al . ( 2001 , p . 28 et seq . ) provide a useful summary of the history of research on the ediacaran biota in newfoundland .
the objectives of the present study are the description and illustration of new material from the bonavista peninsula , now the third area in newfoundland known to contain this remarkable assemblage ( o’brien and king , 2004a , 2004b , 2005 ) , and , secondly , to relate these occurrences and their context to those on the avalon peninsula to the south . some of the new localities have yielded exceptionally well preserved specimens of several taxa that improve our knowledge on the distribution , environmental setting , morphology , taphonomy , and taxonomic affiliation of specific ediacaran taxa . one of the significant aspects of the ~ 570 ma avalon assemblage is that no unequivocal trace fossils have yet been recognized . although here interpreted as body fossils , two of the new taxa in the bonavista area ( parviscopa n . gen . and hadrynichorde n . gen . ) have some aspects in common with certain trace fossils normally found in rocks younger by 30 million years ; these are suitable candidates for further studies to confirm their affinities .
the bonavista peninsula of newfoundland lies within the appalachian avalon zone , a complex and well - preserved neoproterozoic to early paleozoic terrene that records the development of segments of a much larger precambian orogenic system accreted to the appalachians during paleozoic orogenesis ( cf . o’brien et al . , 1996 ) . integral parts of this belt are ediacaran sedimentary rocks , which are spectacularly preserved along the deeply embayed coast of southeastern newfoundland
the murphy’s cove member is dominated by medium - bedded , gray and green sandstones and gray , green , and red mudstones . variegated structureless and laminated mudstones are present at the top of the member and may correlate with the hibbs cove member , uppermost mistaken point formation , at its type locality on the avalon peninsula ( king , 1990 ) . fine - grained , white , gray to light brown tuff forms thin beds and laminae throughout the member and commonly preserve ediacaran fossils underneath .
conception group strata in the core of the catalina dome pass conformably into fossiliferous marine mudrocks and interbedded sandstones of the st . john’s group ( williams and king , 1979 ) , which consists of , in ascending stratigraphic order , the trepassey , fermeuse , and renews head formations . these sediments formed initially in a deep basinal slope environment , which , in response to a combination of sea - level changes and to seaward advances of a large prograding delta , shallowed over time and in two major cycles ( king , 1980 , 1990 ; o’brien and king , 2005 ) .
figure 1 - geologic map of catalina area , with fossil localities ( after o’brien and king , 2005 ) . locality 32 is outside map area , near maberly , 7 km nne of northeast corner of area , at 48 . 608 [ degrees ] n 53 . 009 [ degrees ] w . shg = signal hill group .
large - scale slumps and disrupted beds are present throughout the trepassey formation , representing periodic rapid burial of the habitat that sustained the organisms in this deep - marine setting . the slumps are of the same composition as their respective members and indicate the presence of a slope on which original sediment deposits became unstable , either because of sediment load or seismic shock ; the mass movement was probably slight as the slumped material is near slump scars from which they were derived . the increasing influx up - section of laminated , fine - to medium - grained sand indicates high - energy downslope processes and may reflect shoaling of the basin or sea - level changes .
fermeuse formation . - the black - shale - dominated fermeuse formation lies in sharp and conformable stratigraphic contact above the trepassey formation . the succession studied to date consists primarily of three principal , interbedded lithofacies . following the terminology of o’brien et al . ( 2006 ) , the prominent facies ( a - f ) , seen in the lowermost part of the formation , is dark gray to black shale and mudstone with laminae , and thin to medium interbeds of gray siltstone , fine grained , brown - weathering gray sandstone , and minor tuff . impoverished current ripples and cross - lamination are locally present but are usually indistinct ; rhythmically alternating sand - mud graded units are common . a second , characteristically remobilized facies ( b - f ) consists of slumped folds of sandstone resedimented in a mud matrix that occur with debris flows . the latter consist of a mixture of sand , mud , and coarse angular to rounded cobble - size fragments of siltstone and sandstone . a third facies ( c - f ) , developed in the upper part of the succession , includes black shales with rare or widely spaced laminae or thin beds of silty sandstone . in general , the proportion of sand increases upwards through the formation . tuff beds are most common in the lower 300 m of the section and are associated with ediacaran fossils .
the remobilized facies ( b - f ) occurs throughout several hundred meters of stratigraphic section and contains repetitive and spectacularly preserved tabular units of synsedimentary folds and disrupted beds of sandstone , each unit commonly several meters thick , interbedded with black shale and silty sandstone . the slumped units are locally capped by sand - rich sedimentary breccias overlain by shale . thin beds of ash within the shales within facies a - f and b - f preserve a variety of ediacaran fossils at several stratigraphic levels .
the slumped and disrupted units are attributed to gravitational sliding of poorly consolidated beds of sand and mud on a sloping paleosurface during normal pelagic sedimentation . huge masses of mixed sand , mud , and coarse clastic debris were transported as debris and other mass flows into deeper parts of a submarine slope and basin . the presence of sharp bedding planes directly above truncated folds of sandstone and coarse breccias at the top of the disrupted unit indicate periods of erosion by intense bottom currents .
fossil assemblage and localities . - in a 1978 reconnaissance mapping and paleontological investigation of eastern bonavista peninsula , one of the authors ( king ) noted that 1 ) the siliceous rocks of goodland point , catalina , resembled the mistaken point formation , 2 ) the mudstones of catalina were comparable with the trepassey formation , and 3 ) the shale sequence of melrose matched the fermeuse formation . at that time , only the shales were found to be fossiliferous , yielding very poorly preserved sphaeromorph acritarchs and nonseptate filamentous microfossils near port union ( hofmann et al . , 1979 ) . as a result of more recent work , ediacaran fossils were discovered in this area ( o’brien and king , 2004a ) .
the main occurrence of the ediacaran biota on the bonavista peninsula is limited to the catalina dome ( fig . 1 ) . discoidal fossils have also been observed at english harbour , 20 km south of catalina , and at maberly , 10 km to the north . the exposed units belong to the conception and st . john’s groups , with fossiliferous horizons in the mistaken point , trepassey , fermeuse , and renews head formations .
the general geographic and stratigraphic distributions of the fossiliferous localities were given by o’brien and king ( 2004a ) , as was a summary of their morphologic diversity . the same authors have since provided a more detailed inventory of their occurrence ( o’brien and king , 2005 ) , but the present paper is the first to more fully describe and illustrate the ediacaran fossils on the bonavista peninsula . figure 2 presents a graphic summary of the more than a dozen constituent elements of this assemblage .
the fossils are best observed on dip slopes of shoreline outcrops . the discovery site , also the one showing the greatest diversity of fossils in the new assemblage , is located in the murphy’s cove member of the mistaken point formation ( locality 5 ) , and is illustrated in figure 3 . the fossils are protected under provincial legislation , but remain exposed to the elements ( wave and ice action , cliff collapse , algal and bacterial growth , human activity ) .
like the soft - bodied ediacaran fossils on the avalon peninsula , the impressions of the organisms are confined to turbiditic siliciclastics and are typically preserved on upper bedding surfaces of interturbidite mudstones , underneath thin water - laid tuffs ( narbonne et al . , 2001 , 2005 ) .
figure 2 - main components of ediacaran biota on the bonavista peninsula . basal portion of large charnia ford , 1958 is conjectural .
all fossils show the effect of early paleozoic tectonic deformation and pervasive cleavage development related to the formation of the appalachian orogenic belt . originally circular features such as the aspidella organism were deformed into nne trending ellipses , in effect constituting built - in strain gauges that provide a quantitative measure of the amount of tectonic shortening , which is on the order of ~ 35 % on average in the study area , but can attain 50 % or slightly more locally . this allows for the retrodeformation of not only their images , but also those of associated frondose , bush - like , and other fossils , to reconstruct their morphologies and felling directions at the time of burial ( wood et al . , 2003 , fig . 5 ) . most of the illustrations in the plates of the present paper are retrodeformed images of the fossils .
the fossils were studied in situ during the summers of 2004 to 2006 , and photographed with digital cameras . selected important specimens were molded with low viscosity ( ~ 7000 cps ) black latex which then served to make casts using a dental stone compound , both of which aided the study in the laboratory . very few actual samples were collected to respect legislation regarding the preservation of the fossil sites . specimens and casts are deposited at the newfoundland museum ( nfm ) in st . john’s , bearing consecutive numbers from nfm f - 457 to nfm f - 656 . catalogue numbers of illustrated material are cited in the captions of the respective figures .
the fossiliferous exposures extend stratigraphically from near the base of the mistaken point formation in the conception group to the middle of the renews head formation in the st . john’s group ( fig . 4 ) , and thus the range is limited by lack of strata in the lower part of the stratigraphic section as compared to the much more completely exposed sequence on the avalon peninsula , where the section also includes the fossiliferous briscal and drook formations below the mistaken point formation . on the other hand , many of the taxa reach stratigraphic levels appreciably higher on the bonavista peninsula than on the avalon ( fig . 5 ) .
the frondose forms charnia and chamiodiscus show strong preferred alignment on individual bedding planes , which is attributed to downcurrent felling by bottom currents ( wood et al . , 2003 ) . an overall bimodal pattern emerges , with a main mode in a nne direction , and an opposing secondary mode ( fig . 6 ) ; the mean vector show a slight clockwise rotation in ascending the stratigraphic section . the preferred orientation and tripartite organization of basal holdfast disc , stem , and frond indicate that the organisms were erect sessile benthos anchored on the mud , rather than endobenthic ( seilacher , 1992 ) .
various schemes have been devised to accommodate ediacaran fossils in a systematic way , but the goal of finding a suitable scheme acceptable to all who work with such remains is still elusive . the most comprehensive and elaborate attempt has been by fedonkin ( in sokolov and ivanovskiy , 1985 , and sokolov and iwanowski , 1990 ) , who arranged the taxa under two main headings , radialia and bilateria , with further groupings based on the underlying symmetry of the taxa . radialia encompass various classes of discoidal coelenterates , whereas the bilateria comprise various phyla of worm - and arthropod - like fossils , as well as the extinct phylum petalonamae of frondose forms , some of which , strictly speaking , are not bilateral ( e . g . , pteridinium giirich , 1933 ) . forms such as bradgatia , ivesheadia , fractofusus , and others do not readily fit into this scheme . another attempt to classify the ediacaran biota is that presented in runnegar and fedonkin ( 1992 , p . 373 ) .
inasmuch as the systematic position and phylogeny of many of the forms still need to be worked out ( e . g . , see runnegar , 1995 for arguments generally still current ) , we here use an informal order of presentation that groups the genus - level taxa based on the following broad informal geometric categories and their postulated affinities ( table 1 ) ; one kind of dubiofossil is also described . the scheme has its drawbacks . for instance , the discoid forms have traditionally been classified as cnidarians . however , they may be holdfasts of fronds that were not preserved , and they thus could or should be classed as petalonamae .
figure 3 - discovery locality ( locality 5 ) in mistaken point formation . 1 , section , looking east . co - author a . king standing near origin of baseline ( 0 . 0 m ) on main fossiliferous layer ( f7 ) , which extends to white arrow at left . meter - stick near middle resting on layer f4 with numerous aspidella billings , 1872 specimens ( see fig . 7 . 5 ) . lighter layers are tuffaceous horizons . principal fossil levels indicated by f1 - f8 in drawn section at right . 2 , composite photo of main bedding surface f7 of eastern part of main ledge at locality 5 , showing location of specimens that provided latex molds . numbers represent distances in meters east of origin of baseline , and are cited in captions in relevant subsequent figures . meter scale at center graduated in decimeters . discoid forms , spriggia morphs o’brien and king , 2004a , fig . 3 d , e ; pl . 3a , 3c partim .
description . - centimetric elliptical discs on bedding surfaces , with several preservational morphotypes , including small concave epireliefs and larger flat discs , both with distinct narrow raised rim , and others with few to numerous concentric ridges and depressions of low to moderate relief . dimensions of 84 specimens ( long axes ) measured at various localities ranging from 0 . 48 to 12 . 5 cm ( mean 3 . 72 cm ) , with a positively skewed , polymodal pattern ( fig . 7 ) ; two main modes between 1 and 3 cm and 4 and 5 . 5 cm .
occurrence . - mistaken point formation , localities 1 - 6 , 11 , 12 , 37 , 39 ; trepassey formation , localities 10 , 15 , 20 , 33 , 37 , 40 , 41 ; fermeuse formation , localities 16 - 19 , 21 - 30 , 38 ; renews head formation , locality 32 .
figure 4 - simplified stratigraphic section with approximate position of fossil localities . thicknesses are dip - based estimates . full circle indicates presence of taxon ; empty circle signifies uncertain identification . shg = signal hill group . basal portion of taxon 6 ( charnia grandisl ) is conjectural .
figure 5 - comparison of stratigraphic ranges of major ediacaran taxa in eastern newfoundland . thicknesses of formations are not to scale . note the higher ranges on the bonavista peninsula ( rectangles ) . inset map : a - mistaken point area on avalon peninsula ; b - catalina area on bonavista peninsula .
star - shaped forms , anderson and conway morris , 1982 , p . 7 - 8 , text - fig . 3 .
? medusina filamentus [ filamentis ] sprigg , 1949 , p . 90 , pi . 13 , fig . 1 , text - fig . 7d .
pinegia stellaris fedonkin , 1980 , p . 9 , pl . 1 , figs . 3 - 5 .
pinegia stellaris fedonkin , 1981 , p . 61 , pl . 30 , figs . 1 - 3 .
pinegia cf . stellaris fedonkin , 1983 , p . 129 , 134 , pl . 29 , fig . 3 .
description . - discs on upper bedding surfaces , 0 . 3 - 4 . 8 cm wide ( mean = 2 . 25 cm , n = 27 ) , outlined by a distinct narrow raised rim ~ 0 . 5 - 1 mm wide surrounding a mostly flat disc with or without concentric ring . attached to rim are numerous outwardly radiating , densely packed to moderately spaced narrow rays or appendages of variable length , generally of the order of the disc diameter or less , but in some specimens attaining double that ( maximum observed length 5 . 2 cm , with average maximum of 3 . 15 cm for 27 specimens ) . rays rectilinear to slightly sinuous , usually unbranched , but bifid and occasional trifid branching observed ; rays rarely crossing over one another ; 2 mm or less in width , slightly tapering distally to a point ( as if descending obliquely into the sediment ) or to a bulbous terminus ( fig . 9 . 1 ) . in figure 9 . 6 , small specimen sitting on ray of larger specimen . in specimens illustrated in figure 9 . 1 - 9 . 3 , and 9 . 6 , rays exhibiting shallow axial trough with curved semi - elliptical cross sections between narrow , levee - like lateral ridges ; possible fusion of two filaments . central disc bearing faint round outlines 3 - 5 mm across . measurements of more complete specimens given in figure 10 .
occurrence . - mistaken point formation , localities 2 , 3 , 5 , 11 , 35 ; fermeuse formation , localities 16 - 18 , 21 , 24 , 26 , 29 ? , 38 .
discussion . - inasmuch as the terms “tentacles” and “roots” used in the literature for the slender radiating appendages convey quite different anatomical features and functions , depending on one’s interpretation of the body , it seems more appropriate to use the more neutral descriptive labels “rays” or “appendages” until meir function has been more convincingly demonstrated . while appendages in most specimens are unbranched , a few clearly exhibit branching .
figure 6 - circular histograms ( radius of wedge ) showing azimuths of frond alignments of charnia and chamiodiscus ford , 1958 specimens on bonavista peninsula by formation , using 30 [ degrees ] bins for retrodeformed data ; mean vector and 95 % confidence interval superimposed .
figure 8 - size distribution of aspidella specimens in bonavista area , based on long diameter of ellipse coincident with cleavage / bedding lineation . polymodal pattern reflects different size values for different stratigraphic levels and localities .
specimens of h . stellaris from siliciclastic rocks in the mogilev formation of the ukraine ( gureev , 1988 , pi . 13 , figs . 2 , 3 ) are comparable to specimens from the white sea area .
relatively well preserved specimens from wales ( gehling et al . , 2000 , p . 450 ; j . gehling photo , personal commun . , 2005 ) closely resemble specimens from locality 3 in the catalina area , particularly the processes with levee - like borders and the rounded outlines on the disc .
genus primocandelabrum new genus type species . - primocandelabrum hiemaloranum new genus and species ( by monotypy ) .
diagnosis . - tripartite , candelabrum - like fossils comprised of basal disc , stem , and variable and incompletely preserved bushlike frond of overall triangular shape , containing coarse , distally diverging branches .
etymology . - named for the candelabrum - like shape and its early appearance in the geologic record ; primus = l . first .
diagnosis . - as for genus ; basal disc with prominent external radiating processes .
description . - tripartite epireliefs characterized by basal discoidal or globular structure attached to a distinct stem that develops distally into an incompletely preserved , bush - like or candelabra - like frond with a general , overall triangular shape . basal globular or discoidal structure outlined by a narrow raised marginal rim enclosing shallow depression with or without faint concentric markings ; numerous ( 8 - 30 ) narrow , straight to slightly sinuous or bent ray - like appendages radiating from disc rim . diameters of four discs observed 2 . 5 , 3 . 2 , 4 . 2 , and 7 . 8 cm , length of processes about equal to disc diameter . stem length ( distance between disc center and frond ) 3 . 7 , 5 . 3 , 6 . 0 , and 12 . 4 cm , similar to disc diameter , width uniform , respectively 0 . 5 , 1 . 6 , 0 . 8 , and 3 cm . fronds incomplete , proximal portion forming acute to approximately right angles , preserved length about double the stem length ( minima respectively 8 . 5 , 10 . 5 , 15 . 0 , and 23 . 5 cm ) , widths 4 . 7 , 7 . 0 , 7 . 2 , and 20 cm . frond with poorly defined , coarse , distally diverging ridges and intervening depressions ; two depressions in one specimen with faint transverse markings 3 mm wide ( fig . 12 . 3 ) .
types . - holotype nfm f - 484 ; paratypes nfm f - 485 , nfm f - 486 .
occurrence . - mistaken point formation at locality 5 , and trepassey formation at localities 21 and 26 .
type locality . - trinity bay north , locality 5 , at 37 . 5 m e ( see fig . 3 . 2 ) .
type horizon . - lower part of murphy’s cove member of mistaken point formation .
“dusters” , “feather dusters” , “tree fronds” , narbonne , dalrymple , laflamme , gehling , and boyce , 2005 , p . 58 , 60 , 65 , 68 , figs . 6 . 3 , 6 . 5 , 6 . 6 , 7 . 3 , 7 . 6 .
description . - tripartite epireliefs characterized by basal discoidal structure attached to a distinct stem that develops distally into an incompletely preserved , bush - like frond with coarse , distally diverging branching ridges and intervening irregular depressions . basal disc with or without faint concentric markings . fronds with overall inverted triangular shape apparently without distinct geometric pattern . diameters of four discs observed 2 . 0 , 2 . 2 , 3 . 1 , and 5 . 0 cm . respective stem length ( distance between disc center and frond ) 1 . 9 , 2 . 7 , 2 . 7 , and 5 . 5 cm , similar to disc diameter , stem width respectively 0 . 3 , 0 . 6 , 0 . 4 , and 1 . 0 cm . fronds incomplete , proximal portion forming acute to approximately right angles , preserved length respectively 2 . 4 , 4 . 8 , 12 . 3 , and 13 cm , widths approximately 4 . 0 , 5 . 8 , 10 , and 10 . 5 cm . one specimen with faint radial markings on basal disc .
occurrence . - mistaken point formation , localities 5 , 6 ; trepassey formation , locality 20 : fermeuse formation , localities 21 , 26 , 29 ? . also present in the mistaken point formation on the avalon peninsula .
discussion . - the dimensions and the shape of the bushy superstructure are very similar to those of specimens of p . hiemaloranum , but the ratio of frond width to frond length is slightly higher for primocandelabrum sp . than for p . hiemaloranum , and the basal discs lack the diagnostic radiating appendices . if originally present , the rays were not preserved , or the attachment disc is preserved at a higher level in the sediment , in which case the form may be a taphomorph of p . hiemaloranum . the fronds of most of these structures show no clear geometric patterns that would allow them to be referred to charnia , charniodiscus , or bifoliate rangeomorphs , and thus their affinities are undetermined .
fronds with rayless discs occur in the mistaken point formation on the avalon peninsula , where they have been variably referred to as “dusters” , “feather dusters” , and “tree - fronds . ” these are presently under study at queen’s university .
the catalina area has yielded fronds of several apparently intergrading morphologic varieties equipped with a short stem emanating from an attachment disc , all broadly attributable to charnia . the frond patterns range from ones with symmetrical , alternating , acutely diverging primary branches with regular transverse secondary partitions , to ones with a rhomboidal surface pattern , to ones with more asymmetrical and more irregular branches with few or no preserved secondary divisions and presence of rangeomorph elements , allowing for the differentiation of at least 3 morphotypes .
the appreciable morphologic diversity in the catalina area presents somewhat of a taxonomic dilemma , that is , whether one should assign the forms to different species , or whether the variability represents taphonomic factors or different orientations during burial . for our material , we rely on the regularity of the lobe pattern and transverse divisions , as well as the smaller acute angle at which lobes diverge from the main axis , to assign specimens to c . masoni , and mis includes those with rhomboidal patterns . we distinguish these from specimens with more irregular branching and with higher divergence angles , which we ascribe to charnia antecedens . bedding surfaces with numerous individuals of either species show strong preferred orientation , indicating felling from an erect , anchored living position in response to a passing current . a fourth species chacterized by decimetric length is attributed to c . grandis ?
the biological affinities of these fossils are uncertain . charnia has been variously interpreted as algal ( ford , 1958 ) , an octocoral of the extinct order rangeomorpha ( jenkins , 1985 ) , a pennatulacean cnidarian ( fedonkin , 1992 ; jenkins , 1992 , 1996 ; nedin and jenkins , 1998 ) , a vendobiont ( seilacher , 1989 , 1992 ) , or a fungus ( petersen et al . , 2003 ) . our new material includes fronds with distinct rangeomorph elements within the primary branches of charnia antecedens , placing them firmly within the rangeomorpha of the extinct phylum petalonamae pflug , 1972 . glaessner ( 1979 ) erected the family charniidae based on this genus . charnia masoni ford , 1958
charnia masoni ford , 1958 , p . 212 , pl . 13 , fig . 1 .
charnia masoni fedonkin , 1981 , p . 66 , pl . 3 , figs , 5 , 6 ; pl . 29 , fig . 1 .
charnia masoni fedonkin , 1985 , p . 110 , pl . 12 , fig . 4 ; pl . 13 , figs . 2 - 4 .
charnia masoni nedin and jenkins , 1998 , p . 315 , fig . 1 .
charnia masoni narbonne , dalrymple , and gehling , 2001 , p . 32 , pl . 1c .


doryrhamphus is a genus of pipefishes , one of the two genera colloquially known as flagtail pipefishes and are popular in the aquarium trade .

the members of this genus are native to the indian and pacific oceans where they inhabit reef environments .

the species in this genus have a maximum length of 14 centimetres ( 5.5 in ) or less , with d. janssi being the only species that surpasses 8.5 centimetres ( 3.3 in ) .

most species have a horizontal blue line along their body , and all have a whitish-edged tail that is marked contrastingly with black , red or yellow .

doryrhamphus

dianne j . bray & vanessa j . thompson , doryrhamphus negrosensis in fishes of australia , accessed 10 jul 2018 , urltoken
doryrhamphus negrosensis herre 1934 , herre philipp . exped . : 28 , tide pool near dumaguete , oriental negros , philippines .
more to pipes than just pvc : the genus doryrhamphus , and other pipefish paracanthurus hepatus by henry c . schultz iii - urltoken
thicker blue band running the length of the body than most doryrhamphus species . numerous , well - defined yellow spots on caudal fin .
home » doryrhamphus excisus ssp . excisus ( black - sided pipefish , bluestripe pipefish , fantail pipefish , pacific blue - stripe pipefish )
herre described doryrhamphus negrosensis ( = doryrhamphus negrosensis negrosensis ) in 1934 from specimens collected at negros i . ( philippines ) in 1931 ( dawson 1981 ) . whitley described choeroichthys suillus malus ( = doryrhamphus negrosensis malus ) in 1954 from specimens collected at masthead i . ( qld ) in c . 1905 ( dawson 1981 ) . dawson ( 1981 , 1985 ) noted that there were two subspecies of doryrhamphus negrosensis , namely doryrhamphus negrosensis malus ( known from qld ) and doryrhamphus negrosensis negrosensis ( known from the w . pacific ocean southwards to png and vanuatu , and also occurring at rowley shoals in wa waters ) . d . negrosensis malus attains a standard length of 62 mm and d . negrosensis negrosensis attains a standard length of 47 mm ( dawson 1981 ) . kuiter ( 2000 ) noted that records from the e indian ocean and vanuatu need further investigation .
doryrhamphus aurolineatus is known from two specimens collected on one occasion from a depth of 11 m from masirah island , oman ( randall and earle 1994 ) .
doryrhamphus is from the greek , dory meaning lance and the greek , rhamphos for bill , beak . named negrosensis after the type locality , negros island .
narrow blue stripe running the length of the body when compared to most doryrhamphus species . stripe always outlined by black border . caudal fin with 3 distinct spots .
to date there have been no dedicated surveys or population estimates for doryrhamphus janssi . further research is needed in order to determine population size and trends in abundance for this species .
a pair of flagtail pipefish , doryrhamphus negrosensis , in indonesia - note the eggs on the abdomen of the male . source : silke baron / wikimedia commons . license : cc by attribution
doryrhamphus jannsi is the largest of the pipefish that is normally imported for the aquarium trade . seen here is a pair with a natural host client , a neopomacentrus anabatoides . photo courtesy of rudie h . kuiter .
a wonderful photograph of doryrhamphus melanopleura . the broad blue band without a dark border and larger , elongated caudal spot located at the posterior , make identification easy . photo courtesy of greg rothschild of mother nature ' s creations .
citation : department of the environment ( 2018 ) . doryrhamphus negrosensis in species profile and threats database , department of the environment , canberra . available from : urltoken . accessed tue , 10 jul 2018 05 : 46 : 41 + 1000 .
dunkerocampus , much like doryrhamphus , is one of the few genera of free - swimming pipefish . like all free - swimming pipefish , dunkerocampus males keep the eggs in a pouch under the trunk . this pouch does not close , and subsequently the eggs are not covered while the male carries them . previously known as acanthognathus , dunkerocampus has also been regarded as a subgenus of doryrhamphus , but today maintains generic status and maintains no less than eight species from the indo - west pacific .
doryrhamphus janssi is distributed from the andaman sea to the solomon islands and micronesia , north to taiwan , and south to queensland ( herald and randall 1972 ; dawson 1981 , 1985 ; kuiter 2000 ; shao et al . 2008 ; lim et al . 2011 ) .
dunckerocampus dactyliophorus is a regular import for the hobby , but it is usually sold under the incorrect name doryrhamphus dactyliophorus . bottom photo : a fantastic photo of a male dunckerocampus dactyliophorus with a brood pouch filled with eggs . photos courtesy of linda cline of dancing fish .
most of the doryrhamphus species are fairly similar , with only slight color differences of the caudal fin and geographical locations setting them apart . therefore , getting an exact identification on this genus is extremely difficult , if not impossible . following the chart below will give you your best chance at proper identification .
pipefishes generally feed on small living crustaceans that drift by or reside in the coral branches or algal mats ( gronell 1983 ) . many doryrhamphus species are known to be active cleaners , picking tiny parasitic crustaceans from other fishes , and adults work mostly in pairs ( gronell 1983 ; kuiter 2000 ) .
dawson , c . e . , 1981 review of the indo - pacific pipefish genus doryrhamphus kaup ( pisces : syngnathidae ) , with descriptions of a new species and a new subspecies . ichthyol . bull . j . l . b . smith inst . ichthyol . ( 44 ) : 27 p .
the final member of doryrhamphus is d . janssi , or commonly called janssi ' s or jan ' s pipefish . whereas most other doryrhamphus barely reach three inches in length , d . janssi will reach over five inches in total length . in the wild jan ' s is reported to be an exclusive cleaner for cheilodipterus ( cardinalfish ) and neopomacentrus ( damsel ) species ( michael , 1998 ) . it has perhaps the largest distribution of all pipefish , covering most of the west pacific from 3 to 120 feet of depth . like d . melanpleura , it spends much of its lifetime swimming upside - down .
dawson , c . e . ( 1981 ) . review of the indo - pacific pipefish genus doryrhamphus kaup ( pisces : syngnathidae ) , with descriptions of a new species and a new subspecies . ichthyological bulletin of the j . l . b . smith institute of ichthyology . 44 : jan - 27 .
dawson , c . e . 1981 . review of the indo - pacific pipefish genus doryrhamphus kaup ( pisces : syngnathidae ) , with descriptions of a new species and a new subspecies , ichthyol . bull . j . l . b . smith inst . 44 : 1 - 27 , figs . 1 - 17 .
doryrhamphus consists of 11 species , though the taxonomy is incredibly incomplete and lacking . many localized color forms are present , and most specimens are lumped together as a single species , a result of inconclusive research from preserved specimens . once further research is put forth , it is likely the number of species will rise ( kuiter , 2000 ) .
the two type specimens of doryrhamphus aurolineatus were found in a cave at 11 metres depths on rocky substrate ( randall and earle 1994 ) . aside from this no further habitat information is known for this species . in other species in the genus doryrhamphus , males brood the eggs semi - exposed beneath the tail , and broods range from about 80 - 150 eggs ( breder and rosen 1966 ) . many of the species also feed by cleaning small parasites from other fish species . the genus is known for having a very brief or even non - existent juvenile pelagic phase , and is limited in its dispersal capabilities . as a result many species exhibit a small range size ( kuiter 2000 ) .
justification : doryrhamphus aurolineatus is listed as data deficient based on a lack of information about population levels , life history , and threats . the species is known from two type specimens , no dedicated surveys for it have been undertaken , and little is known about its range or threats to its habitat . further research is needed in order to carry out a proper red list assessment for the species .
most members of the genus doryrhamphus have been noted as
cleaner fish
( see to clean or not to clean : gobiosoma species for more information on
cleaner fish
) . however , unlike typical
cleaners ,
the pipefish do not setup highly visible
cleaning stations .
doryrhamphus species are noted to clean the cryptic clients , those such as moray eels , groupers , and cardinalfish ( michael , 1998 ) . this makes up a small portion of their diet . the majority of their diet is comprised of the tiny crustaceans that swim near the substrate , though just about any larva that fits into their mouth is consumed . foods that are not able to fit into their fixed jaws are often
de - gutted ,
that is , they suck the abdomen out of the food item , and let the skeleton go without further attention .
males of d . n . malus may be brooding at 43 mm standard length , while the brood pouch of males of d . n . negrosensis is developing at 22 mm standard length and are usually fully developed at 30 - 35 mm standard length ( dawson 1981 ) . male doryrhamphus brood eggs semi - exposed under the trunk , and sometimes have a thin skin covering over the sides of the brood ( kuiter 2000 ) . brood size for doryrhamphus pipefishes varies from 80 - 150 eggs , depending on age or species ( kuiter 2000 ) . as tiny juveniles can be found on reefs , it seems that the pelagic stage is either short or absent ( kuiter 2000 ) . kuiter ( 2000 ) noted that it was difficult to determine the sex for most doryrhamphinae species , especially when the male incubated a brood , but adults usually occur in pairs with one male and one female .
though the majority of pipefish that appear in our hobby are from the subfamily doryrhamphinae , with doryrhamphus and dunkerocampus accounting for the largest percentage of the subfamily within the hobby , a large percentage does show up from syngnathinae , or the subfamily commonly called pipefish . for the most part , this is a highly unorganized subfamily that is likely to be split into their separate taxon once additional research is put forth . for now , 42 genera are recognized , though only corythoichthys is likely to be found at your local fish store with any regularity .
justification : doryrhamphus janssi is a marine coastal pipefish species that inhabits coral reefs and caves to depths of 35 m throughout much of the indo - west pacific . the species may be declining as a result of coral reef habitat degradation , and unknown numbers are taken for use in the aquarium trade and possibly for traditional medicines . further research on how these threats are affecting wild populations . they are however able to utilize other habitat types such as tidal pools , and coral declines are not occurring at high rates across the range . therefore this species is listed as least concern .
there are no species - specific conservation measures in place for doryrhamphus janssi , however its distribution may coincide with a number of marine protected areas , including australia ' s great barrier reef marine park . it is listed along with all other syngnathids as a protected species under australia ' s environment protection and biodiversity conservation act ( 1998 ) . it is not listed in any international legislation or trade regulations . further research is needed in order to determine how the threats listed above are affecting population size and trends in abundance . this species would likely benefit from international measures to mitigate anthropogenic climate change .
doryrhamphus janssi is threatened by coral reef habitat loss due to coastal development and pollution , destructive fishing practices such as dynamite fishing and trawling , and the effects of climate change including ocean acidification and rising sea surface temperatures ( bruno and selig 2007 , carpenter et al . 2008 , de ' ath et al . 2012 , normile 2016 ) . the species is also present in the aquarium trade , but levels of offtake from the wild are unknown , as is their status as a captive - bred species . it may also be caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries and subsequently traded for use in traditional medicines ( vincent et al . 2011 ) . further research is needed in order to determine how these threats are affecting wild populations of the species .
the care of corythoichthys is similar to that of any other pipefish . the main points of consideration would be the temperature that the particular species originated from , as well as the type of bottom cover it preferred . all corythoichthys are found along the substrate , unlike doryrhamphus and dunkerocampus species . some members prefer muck bottoms , while others prefer rock rubble and algae . the pipefish that prefer to swim along the substrate have a differently designed brood pouch than do their free - swimming cousins . this brood pouch is designed to enclose the eggs , and in these enclosed pouches the embryos are attached to highly vascularized placenta - like tissue , which seals the pouch folds from inside during incubation ( watanabe et al , 1999 ) . it would seem , therefore , that the embryos of the substrate dwelling pipefish are considerably more protected than those of the free - swimming pipefish . twenty - three species are currently described members of corythoichthys , with many more un - described members awaiting entrance .
lastly , tank design is significant . this aspect isn ' t nearly as important as the three previously discussed requirements , but nonetheless , these minimal requirements should not be considered voluntary . an active , healthy sandbed should be required . if possible , sand from several different sources should be acquired to ensure as much diversity as possible . this sandbed will supply a large percentage of the naturally occurring foods for the pipefish . likewise , good quantities of porous live rock are desirable . as mentioned above , various colonies of algae are also prime locations of microfaunal colonization , and thus should be considered mandatory in the pipefish aquarium . caves and overhangs are a wise idea , both as a comfort factor for your pipefish , and for the viewing pleasure of the hobbyists . in most cases , you can design your rockwork to feature overhangs in prime locations for your viewing , and your doryrhamphus sp . will immediately take to this overhang . without these overhangs , the pipefish is likely to take up residence somewhere buried behind the rockwork , much to the disappointment of all intending on viewing these fish .
doryrhamphus species are free - swimming benthic fishes found in various reef habitats in coastal to outer reefs , and usually stay close to small caves or narrow crevices into which they retreat when threatened ( gronell 1983 ; kuiter 2000 ) . d . negrosensis malus has been recorded from a depth range of 0 - 6 m ( dawson 1981 ) in association with rubble reef ( kuiter 1992 ) , sheltered reef flats , under large pieces of coral rubble and lagoons in inner reefs and islands inside the great barrier reef ( kuiter 2000 ) . d . negrosensis negrosensis has been recorded from a depth range of 0 - 9 m ( dawson 1981 ) in association with sheltered rocky reefs and lagoons , usually in narrow crevices with long - spined urchins ( kuiter 2000 ) . specimens of d . negrosensis malus in aust . fish collections were collected in association with coral reefs , reef platforms , reef crests , gutters , live corals , dead corals , coral knolls , lagoons , bomboras , rocks , sand rubble , pools and sand in depths of 0 - 6 m , using ichthyocides . specimens of d . negrosensis negrosensis in aust . fish collections were collected in association with coral reefs , live corals , dead coral knolls , lagoons , coral rubble and sand in depths of 0 . 1 - 10 m , using ichthyocides ( australian fish collection records ) .
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cfm script by eagbayani , 30 . 11 . 04 , , php script by cmilitante , 05 / 11 / 2010 , last modified by cmilitante , 14 / 03 / 2013
greek , dory = lance + greek , rhamphos = bill , beak ( ref . 45335 )
marine ; reef - associated ; depth range 0 - 35 m ( ref . 1602 ) . tropical ; 19°n - 29°s
western central pacific : gulf of thailand to the solomon islands , north to the philippines , south to queensland ; belau and truk in micronesia .
maturity : l m ? range ? - ? cm max length : 14 . 0 cm tl male / unsexed ; ( ref . 48635 )
dorsal spines ( total ) : 0 ; dorsal soft rays ( total ) : 22 - 25 ; anal soft rays : 4 . superior trunk and tail ridges discontinuous ; inferior trunk ridge ending on anal ring ; lateral trunk ridge continuous with inferior tail ridge ; body rings 16 ; tail rings 21 - 23 .
found in tide pools and reef crevices . also found in sheltered inner reefs , usually in caves with sponges and below large plate corals . ovoviviparous ( ref . 205 ) . the male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail ( ref . 205 ) . very active cleaner and has cleaning station that is visited by apogonids and damsels where adults work in pairs ( ref . 48635 ) . minimum depth from ref . 58018 . solitary or in pairs ( ref 90102 ) .
myers , r . f . , 1991 . micronesian reef fishes . second ed . coral graphics , barrigada , guam . 298 p . ( ref . 1602 )
) : 25 . 9 - 29 . 3 , mean 28 . 7 ( based on 2406 cells ) .
phylogenetic diversity index ( ref . 82805 ) : pd 50 = 0 . 5078 [ uniqueness , from 0 . 5 = low to 2 . 0 = high ] .
bayesian length - weight : a = 0 . 00049 ( 0 . 00022 - 0 . 00111 ) , b = 3 . 10 ( 2 . 91 - 3 . 29 ) , in cm total length , based on lwr estimates for this ( sub ) family - body shape ( ref . 93245 ) .
trophic level ( ref . 69278 ) : 3 . 9 ±0 . 5 se ; based on size and trophs of closest relatives
resilience ( ref . 69278 ) : high , minimum population doubling time less than 15 months ( preliminary k or fecundity . ) .
vulnerability ( ref . 59153 ) : low vulnerability ( 12 of 100 ) .
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marine ; reef - associated ; depth range 2 - 50 m ( ref . 30874 ) . tropical ; 30°n - 32°s
indo - pacific and eastern pacific : persian gulf and east africa to the west coast of the americas . it was noted by dawson ( ref . 5316 ) that there is a clinal increase in the number of total rings and dorsal rays for the 3 subspecies ( red sea , d . e . abbreviatus and eastern pacific d . e . paulus ; more study is needed ( ref . 86689 ) .
maturity : l m ? range ? - ? cm max length : 7 . 0 cm tl male / unsexed ; ( ref . 9710 )
dorsal spines ( total ) : 0 ; dorsal soft rays ( total ) : 21 - 29 ; anal spines : 0 ; anal soft rays : 4 . superior trunk and tail ridges discontinuous ; inferior trunk ridge ending on anal ring ; lateral trunk ridge continuous with inferior tail ridge ; body rings 17 - 19 ; tail rings 13 - 17 . also ref . 4281 .
uncommon , cryptic species ( ref . 5227 ) , prefers crevices in rocks and corals and areas beneath ledges ( ref . 28023 ) . occurs in lagoon and seaward reefs to a depth of 45 m or more ( ref . 9710 ) . benthopelagic ( ref . 58302 ) . often seen in pairs . uses its tubelike snout to ingest small crustaceans and plankton ( ref . 28023 ) . ovoviviparous ( ref . 205 ) . the male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail ( ref . 205 ) .
monogamous mating is observed as both obligate and genetic ( ref . 52884 ) . male carries the eggs in a brood pouch ( ref . 205 ) .
dawson , c . e . , 1985 . indo - pacific pipefishes ( red sea to the americas ) . the gulf coast research laboratory ocean springs , mississippi , usa . ( ref . 5316 )
) : 24 . 7 - 29 , mean 27 . 7 ( based on 800 cells ) .
bayesian length - weight : a = 0 . 00069 ( 0 . 00036 - 0 . 00134 ) , b = 3 . 14 ( 2 . 97 - 3 . 31 ) , in cm total length , based on lwr estimates for this species & ( sub ) family - body ( ref . 93245 ) .
trophic level ( ref . 69278 ) : 3 . 5 ±0 . 44 se ; based on food items .
vulnerability ( ref . 59153 ) : low vulnerability ( 10 of 100 ) .
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urltoken
thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on the iucn red list of threatened species website , we are grateful for your input .
herald , e . s . and randall , j . e . 1972 . five new indo - pacific pipefishes . proceedings of the california academy of sciences 39 ( 11 ) : 121 - 140 .
australia ; christmas island ; india ( andaman is . ) ; indonesia ; micronesia , federated states of ; palau ; papua new guinea ; philippines ; solomon islands ; taiwan , province of china ( taiwan , province of china ( main island ) ) ; thailand ; viet nam
is found in tidal pools and sheltered inner reefs , usually in caves with sponges and below large coral plates .
feeds as an active parasite cleaner and has a cleaning station that is regularly visited by apogonids and damselfishes where adults work in pairs ( kuiter 2000 ) . they are ovoviviparous , and males carry eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the trunk ( dawson 1981 ) . species of
typically brood 80 - 150 eggs ( kuiter 2000 ) . males begin brooding at around 8 cm ( dawson 1985 ) .
this species is commercially harvested for the aquarium trade . they may also be caught as bycatch and / or targeted for use as curios and traditional medicines ( vincent et al . 2011 ) . the level of offtake is not known .
to make use of this information , please check the < terms of use > .
eschmeyer , w . n . ( ed . ) . 2014 . catalog of fishes . updated 23 july 2014 . available at : urltoken .
there are no population estimates available for this species , as it is only known from type specimens . no dedicated surveys for this species have been undertaken .
this species has not been documented in trade thus far . other species of pipefish are often harvested for the aquarium and traditional medicine trades ( vincent et al . 2011 ) .
there are no current data on the threats to the species or its habitat . further research is needed in this area .
there are no known conservation actions in place for this species . waters surrounding the type locality are not currently protected .
description inhabits recesses of caves and crevices . occurs on lagoon and seaward reefs in the depth range of 0 to at least 45 m ( ref . . . .
description inhabits recesses of caves and crevices . occurs on lagoon and seaward reefs in the depth range of 0 to at least 45 m ( ref . 1602 ) . [ details ]
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fourmanoir , p . ( 1961 ) . liste complementaire des poissons du canal de mozambique . memoires de l ' institut scientifique de madagascar serie f ( oceanographie ) 4 : 83 - 166 [ details ]
liu j . y . [ ruiyu ] ( ed . ) . ( 2008 ) . checklist of marine biota of china seas . china science press . 1267 pp . ( look up in imis ) [ details ] available for editors [ request ]
froese , r . & d . pauly ( editors ) . ( 2018 ) . fishbase . world wide web electronic publication . , available online at urltoken [ details ]
( of doryhamphus excises ) froese , r . & d . pauly ( editors ) . ( 2018 ) . fishbase . world wide web electronic publication . , available online at urltoken [ details ]
marine ; reef - associated ; depth range 1 - 30 m ( ref . 90102 ) . temperate
maturity : l m ? range ? - ? cm max length : 8 . 5 cm tl male / unsexed ; ( ref . 559 )
dorsal soft rays ( total ) : 21 - 23 ; anal soft rays : 4 . body orange yellow when fresh . trunk rings 20 , tail rings 15 . lateral trunk ridge continuous with inferior tail ridge ; superior trunk and tail ridges extending forward over 4 trunk rings . three serrated ridges dorsally on snout , the median ridge heavily serrated . body ridges illustrating single spine except anterior six of superior trunk ridge and 3 lateral trunk ridge which has double spines . no ventrolateral projection on the snout .
inhabits small caves in sublittoral rocky reefs . reported from tide pools to depths of at least 25 m offshore , but mostly seen in shallow depths ( ref . 48635 ) . ovoviviparous ( ref . 205 ) . the male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail ( ref . 205 ) . spawns from the end of may to september . an active cleaner that shares crevices with shrimps , large mud crabs and sometimes moray eels ( ref . 48635 ) . solitary or in pairs near sponges and diadema sea urchins ( ref 90102 ) .
masuda , h . , k . amaoka , c . araga , t . uyeno and t . yoshino , 1984 . the fishes of the japanese archipelago . vol . 1 . tokai university press , tokyo , japan . 437 p . ( text ) . ( ref . 559 )
) : 20 . 7 - 29 . 3 , mean 28 . 6 ( based on 1159 cells ) .
trophic level ( ref . 69278 ) : 3 . 7 ±0 . 50 se ; based on food items .
often times when hobbyists are considering a species - dedicated aquarium , the idea of a tank full of seahorses is the first species of choice . for those interested in the
common
animals of the exotics , seahorses can be a fulfilling experience . they will certainly entertain your guests . however , there are those that prefer something less mainstream , an
uncommon
exotic , if you will . for those individuals i present the april ' fish tales ' on pipefish .
most likely a color variation of corythoichthys insularis , here a female poses for a snapshot . males will have three additional white bands near the trunk . photo courtesy of fredy j . brauchli , switzerland of sub aqua pictures .
pipefish are a small group of fish from within the family syngnathidae , meaning ' jaw fused . ' although the syngnathidae is commonly called the pipefish family , the most notable fish of this family are in the subfamily hippocampinae , the seahorses . in total , the pipefish family contains four subfamilies , 55 genera , and over 320 species ( kuiter , 2000 ) . at one point the animals in this family were thought to be insects ( rafinesque , 1810 ; michael , 1998 ) , but it is now clearly known these animals are actually fish , even if they are strange - looking fish .
all syngnathids possess an elongated semi - flexible body with armored , bony plates . they do not possess scales . gill openings are usually reduced to a small round pore , and the head is generally long and tubular . the jaws are fused , resulting in a structure without a hinge to open and close . all fins are soft - rayed , with most species having one dorsal fin , and pectoral fins . some species may have caudal fins , while yet other species are entirely fin - less . ventral and second dorsal fins are absent in all syngnathids . another factoid worth mentioning about syngnathids is their reproductive habit : the males are the ones that become pregnant ! in all species the male carries the eggs during the incubation period . more on this shortly .
the subfamily doryrhamphinae , known commonly as flagtail pipefish , contains four genera and 22 species . unlike the vast majority of syngnathids , the subfamily doryrhamphinae swims above the substrate , and is never in contact with the substrate ( except for maroubra ) . likewise , it does not maintain a grip on sea grasses , gorgonians , or any other steadfast . this subfamily features an abnormally large ( for syngnathids ) caudal fin . these indo - west pacific specimens all carry the eggs of the young under the trunk of the male ( kuiter , 2000 ) .
dunckerocampus pessuliferus is a regular import for the aquarium trade . it prefers calm water , and tends to be fairly outgoing and an active cleaner fish . photo courtesy of rudie h . kuiter .
corythoichthys polynotatus is usually only found in shallow waters . photo courtesy of linda cline of dancing fish .
a strange color variant of trachyrhampus bicoarctatus . kuiter commented ( per comm ) that this color variant was unknown to him . photo courtesy of fredy j . brauchli , switzerland of sub aqua pictures .
a corythoichthys species , most likely c . ocellatus . photo courtesy of linda cline of dancing fish .
probably corythoichthys schultzi . many color variaitons are possible within this species . photo courtesy of linda cline of dancing fish .
pipefish , like all syngnathids , are secretive fish and are highly localized and restricted in their distribution . you are more likely to locate them in bays and lagoons then you would be on the fore - reef . depths range from 5m to 30m of depth in subtropical regions , usually associating with overhangs or crevices within the rockwork , which supply a place to retreat . this quick retreat is basically their only means of defense . their bony plates offer little protection against predators that are likely to swallow them whole . rarely will they leave the comfort and protection of their overhangs or crevices .
another photo of what appears to be corythoichthys sp . 3 . photo courtesy of fredy j . brauchli , switzerland of sub aqua pictures .
a corythoichthys species . most likely the corythoichthys that kuiter ( 2000 ) refers to as corythoichthys sp . 3 . photo courtesy of linda cline of dancing fish .
during feeding , the
where
seems to be unimportant for them , as pipefish will feed from the substrate , or they will also feed on passing - by foods in the water column . the
when
and
how often ,
however , is extremely important . to begin with , they are diurnal . therefore , they will only eat during the day . second , due to the lack of a stomach , and a largely inefficient intestine , pipefish will continue to search for food the entire day .
adults are always located in pairs , though these pairs are not necessarily maintained monogamous . the pair will greet each other every morning , just minutes prior to sunrise . this greeting consists of the beginning stages of the mating ritual ( gronell , 1984 ) . it is not known what purpose this morning greeting serves , but it has been speculated that it could increase spawning synchrony between the mates , keep the pair bound during non - reproductive periods , or even alert the pair to a missing mate ( michael , 1998 ) .
a pair of corythoichthys species , possibly c . haematopterus . photo courtesy of linda cline of dancing fish .
reproduction of pipefish is a long process , usually consisting of over two hours of a predictable mating ritual ( see below ) . once near completion , the female will deposit her eggs into the male ' s pouch . the number of eggs can vary from 30 - 1000 depending on the species and age of the animals participating ( kuiter , 2000 ) , though most species have egg counts numbering closer to 100 - 200 . the female will transfer all of the eggs in 4 - 7 seconds ( michael , 1998 ) . the fry are well developed at hatching , but have a short pelagic stage . due to the advanced adaptation to specific localized conditions within the species of the family syngnathidae , it is believed dispersal from the pelagic stage is minimal .
the male moves his brood pouch below the female’s ovipositor ; she deposits the eggs .
most likely a color variation of corythoichthys insularis . photo courtesy of fredy j . brauchli , switzerland of sub aqua pictures .
the unusual brooding habits of syngnathidae have brought upon another interesting sexually characteristic among pipefish : sex - role reversal . because the male syngnathids carry the eggs to full term , the males are now in the driver ' s seat when it comes to choosing which female to breed with . in other words , the females compete for the males . females are forced to compete with other females to garner the attention of the males . to help the male choose the healthiest female pipefish , females have a couple of ways of displaying health . first , the overall size of the female is important . berglund et al ( 1986a ) showed larger females produced more numerous and larger eggs which consequently gives way to larger and healthier fry ( ahnesjo , 1992a , b ) . secondly , females compete with each other by developing higher degrees of contrast in coloration , often called ornamentation . these colors are not directed towards the male , though the males obviously choose females based on the brighter colors . instead , the females flash the color ornaments towards competing females . brighter , more colorful females dance and copulate sooner , copulate more often , and transfer more eggs when compared to the more dully - colored specimens ( gasparini and teixeira , 1999 ) .
dunckerocampus dactyliophorus can be found in small groups as juveniles . photo courtesy of linda cline of dancing fish .
although pipefish have been described as monogamous in the past , this is simply not true . by definition , monogamous indicates an eternal life partner . instead , male pipefish form
pair - bonds
which usually last at least one season . it is believed they can remember which female they were most impressed with , and thus continually mate with her . however , some pipefish , notably the females , move beyond this
pair - bond
( vincent et al , 1994 ) . females are able to produce an endless supply of hydrated eggs thanks to an ovary unique to pipefish ( begovac and wallace , 1987 ; 1988 ) . therefore , the female is always ready to mate with additional males , should she be able to convince them into mating with her . in addition , females play absolutely no part in the brood care or raising of the fry ( berglund et al , 1986b ) once the eggs have been passed to the male , and thus can easily move from one male to the next .
most likely corythoichthys insularis , but it could easily be c . nigripectus or c . sp . 12 . the location of the where the photograph was taken would assist in correct identification . photo courtesy of fredy j . brauchli , switzerland of sub aqua pictures .
provided the needs of the pipefish are met , these fish can live many years within the confines of a home aquarium . lifespan is currently considered 5 to 10 years in an aquarium . the correct water parameters , tank mates , food options , and tank design are all of importance , and can each lead to success or failure .
starting with water parameters , like any saltwater fish , the hobbyist should strive for tank conditions as near to natural saltwater conditions ( nsw ) as possible . unlike most other fish , the calcium level in the aquarium is important to pipefish . their bony exoskeleton depends on the calcium to maintain its strength . calcium levels from 350ppm and up should be sufficient . remembering most pipefish are subtropical , aquarium temperatures should range from 72 to 80 degrees fahrenheit .
fellow tank mates are a paramount consideration in a pipefish tank , and often is the difference between success and failure . as a whole , pipefish will not pester any fish . they are , for the most part , oblivious to anything else in the tank that does not fit into their tiny mouths . this general rule can be extended from fish to corals , and mobile invertebrates . however , in that same regard , if it can fit into their mouth , it likely will be consumed . this would include all micro fauna in the aquarium , as well as fish and shrimp fry . despite the low - key personality of pipefish , their tank mates often pester them . all but the smallest , most peaceful fish should be eliminated from a pipefish aquarium . suitable tank mates would include most gobies , dragonettes , other seahorses , and shrimpfish . any fast - swimming fish is likely to agitate the pipefish and keep them in hiding . fish that are aggressive feeders are likely to do the same . any fish that tends to be
curious
is likely to annoy the pipefish . this would include wrasses , blennies , and dwarf angels . naturally , predatory fish often times make a quick snack out of pipefish . large predatory mobile invertebrates such as certain starfish species , lobsters , and hermit crabs should be avoided , as well as any potentially strong - venom corals such as any lps corals and anemones .
will likely pester until death ensues , though some smaller members would be good choices .
some pipefish are known to
clean
members of this family , though it is best to avoid them sharing the same aquarium .
pipefish , you should research each fish individually before adding it to your aquarium . some of the fish mentioned are better left in the ocean , or for advanced aquarists .
ensuring the proper size food , and that enough of it reaches the pipefish is another major concern . thankfully , hobbyists are becoming more informed on this important detail , and as such many ill - prepared hobbyists have rightfully avoided this family . food items would include any of the naturally growing microfaunal animals found in our aquariums , including copepods , amphipods , and mysid shrimp . therefore , the hobbyist would be smart to encourage the natural growths of these animals . a dedicated refugium for a pipefish tank is a wise idea , or a large refugium can make a perfect pipefish aquarium itself . pipefish are regularly found searching algae beds for food in the wild . these algae beds encourage the colonization by microfauna , and therefore colonies of macro algae like various caulerpa species are important additions into any pipefish aquarium . when additional foods are required , the best substitutes are live foods . hatching brine shrimp , mosquito larvae , or even daphnia at home can prove to be a successful means of food supplementation , or a welcome treat for pipefish that normally do not need an additional food source . in many situations , pipefish are not willing to accept frozen / thawed prepared foods . in time some individuals may begin to accept prepared adult brine shrimp , mysis shrimp , or any number of commercially available foods . most specimens , however , will never accept prepared foods . be prepared to supply live foods for the lifespan of your pipefish should you consider obtaining these fish . most importantly , due to the lack of stomach and inefficient intestines , the hobbyist must be prepared to provide large amounts of these foods . if you are counting on the bulk of the pipefish diet to be supplied by yourself , consider that three feedings per day is the minimum necessary .
possibly corythoichthys intestinalis , or even c . flavofasciatus . photo courtesy of fredy j . brauchli , switzerland of sub aqua pictures .
refugiums with thick algal growths are optimum breeding grounds for two of the pipefish ' s favorite foods . photos by henry schultz .
spawning and rearing of pipefish in the home aquarium is entirely possible , provided the hobbyist wishes to give the extra effort . once the pair has successfully mated and the males begin to carry the eggs , hatching is merely days to weeks away . the hatch time varies depending on species , as well as water temperature , where a 1 degree celsius temperature change could mean an increase ( or theoretically decrease ) in the brooding period by as much as two days ( michael , 1998 ) . newly hatched pipefish are free - swimming and fully developed ; though a short pelagic stage does occur . color pigmentation usually takes place once the juveniles begin to settle to the substrate . rotifers are required as first - foods for the pipefish fry , and will be required until the fry are large enough to consume newly hatched brine shrimp .
two large tail spots on the top and bottom , with a single small tail spot at the very end of the caudal fin .
caudal fin highly variable . usually with large dark spot in the center with minimal orange highlights and white border . usually swims upside - down .
no distinguishing caudal fin marks , however , a white stripe is present on the topside of the snout .
caudal fin mostly orange with white trim . dark spot in center usually shaped like a ‘c’ .
dunckerocampus dactyliophorus in the wild . photo courtesy of fredy j . brauchli , switzerland of sub aqua pictures .
several members of dunkerocampus have become regular imports for the marine fish hobby ; d . dactyliophorus is one of them . it is a west pacific native that spends a majority of its time in shallow water where it spends a large portion of the day
cleaning
moray eels . they readily make the transition to home aquariums provided the above listed criteria are met . juveniles will stay in small groups , but adults are always found in pairs .
the other popular dunkerocampus that regularly shows up in the trade is the yellow banded pipefish , or d . pessuliferus . it is often confused with d . multiannulatus due to similar coloration . this species is most often located near deep mud flats and drop - offs searching for food or even a
client
fish . it is not shy in the wild or in the home aquarium - possibly the most outgoing syngnathidae .
a corythoichthys species , possibly c . waitei , slinks across the algae covered rocks . photo courtesy of fredy j . brauchli , switzerland of sub aqua pictures .
most of us will never be lucky enough to witness one these beauties outside the pages of books or internet websites . the majority of people that get to see these fish in person usually are located within a public aquarium . fewer still will have an opportunity to dive with these gems . almost no one will have the chance to attempt to maintain one in a home aquarium .
note the unique jaw structure of solenotomus species . photo courtesy of fredy j . brauchli , switzerland of sub aqua pictures .
although referred to commonly as ghost pipefish , these majestic animals are not from the family syngnathidae . they are close cousins , however , and are presently placed in the family solenostomidae , which has only one genus , solenostomus , and roughly six species ( see below ) . a few characteristics create the need for a family separate from syngnathidae . first , solenostomus species have ventral fins , a second dorsal fin , and all fins are well developed . another important difference is the male does not brood - care for the eggs , the female does . members of this family are well spread out geographically , most likely due to the extended pelagic stage ( when compared to syngnathidae ) . however , it appears they have a relatively short lifespan . should you come across one of these rarities of the hobby , you can be assured that care is similar to that of the members of the family syngnathidae .
a fantastic photo of solenostomus paradoxus . photo courtesy of fredy j . brauchli , switzerland of sub aqua pictures .
two distinctive color variants of solenostomus paegnius . photos courtesy of fredy j . brauchli , switzerland of sub aqua pictures .
solenostomus paradoxus , also called the ornate pipefish , is highly variable in coloration and is widespread throughout the tropical indo - west pacific . they enjoy brisk currents over open sand beds littered with gorgonians . at four inches in length , it is a moderately sized ghost pipefish .
another pair of solenostomus paradoxus on the left , with a solenostomus paegnius on the right . photos courtesy of fredy j . brauchli , switzerland of sub aqua pictures .
solenostomus cyanopterus , or the robust pipefish , can be located throughout the western pacific and also throughout the indian ocean . again , color is variable , but not necessarily the rainbow of colors as seen in s . paradoxus . this fish associates with sea grasses and algae in back bays and protected fringing reefs . like other members of solenostomus , the robust pipefish generally hangs vertically in the water column , with its face looking towards the substrate . as the name implies , this member is the largest ghost pipefish .
solenostomus paradoxus tries to blend with its surroundings . photo courtesy of fredy j . brauchli , switzerland of sub aqua pictures .
a halloween coloration from solenostomus paradoxus . photo courtesy of linda cline of dancing fish .
solenostoma cyanopterus mimics the vegetation it is found inhabiting within . photo courtesy of linda cline of dancing fish .
a dark color variant of the robust pipefish , solenostomus cyanopterus . photo courtesy of fredy j . brauchli , switzerland of sub aqua pictures .
solenostomus paegnius , or as some may call it , the rough - snout pipefish , is another widespread tropical indo - west pacific native . this species is closely related to s . cyanopterus , except the caudal peduncle is considerably shorter and , as the common name implies , has many hairy or bushy appendages growing from its snout . like all ghost pipefish , this member settles from the pelagic stage at nearly full adult size , and is a fully functional reproductive adult .
above : a pair of solenostomus paradoxus . the female , seen here on the right , is considerably larger than males . below : solenostomus paradoxus is nearly transparent during the post - pelagic stage , but eventually takes on a large assortment of colors including red , black , yellow , blue , orange , and various shades therein . photos courtesy of linda cline of dancing fish .
sometimes hobbyists begin searching for a new challenge , or a new family of fish featuring interesting behaviors . when the desire to take the hobby to the next level strikes , pipefish are there . undoubtedly , pipefish are among the more exotic fish that show into our local fish stores .
care of pipefish is rather simple . when researched and assembled correctly , a pipefish aquarium can be remarkably fulfilling with little additional effort from the hobbyist . much like the dragonette fish family , pipefish truly are a fish that do not need any additional labor on the part of the hobbyist to thrive . a well planned and thought out aquarium most often affords the pipefish with everything they need . when designed poorly , a pipefish aquarium can become a daily chore that quickly tires the fish keeper , or worse yet , leads to the untimely death of the pipefish .
next time you consider adding fish into a large refugium , or consider setting up a species designed aquarium , consider the choice of a pair of pipefish .
an amazing color morph of solenostomus cyanopterus . photo courtesy of linda cline of dancing fish .
if you have any questions about this article , please visit my author forum on reef central .
ahnesjo , i . 1992a . consequences of male brood care ; weight and number of newborn in a sex - role reversed pipefish . funct . ecol . 6 : 274 - 281 .
ahnesjo , i . 1992b . fewer newborn result in superior juveniles in the paternally brooding syngnathus typhle . j . fish biol . 41b : 53 - 63 .
begovac , p . c . and wallace , r . a . , 1987 , ovary of the pipefish syngnathus scovelli . jour . morph . , 193 : 117 - 133 .
begovac , p . c . and wallace , r . a . , 1988 , stages of oocyte development in the pipefish syngnathus scovelli . jour . morph . 197 : 353 - 369 .
berglund , a . , g . rosenqvist , and i . svensson . 1986a . reversed sex roles and parental energy investment in zygotes of two pipefish ( syngnathidae ) species . mar . ecol . ( progr . ser . ) 29 : 209 - 215 .
berglund , a . , rosenqvist , g . , and svensson , i . 1986b . mate choice , fecundity and sexual dimorphism in two pipefish species ( synganthidae ) . behav . ecol . sociobiol . 19 : 301 - 307 .
berglund , a . , rosenqvist , g . and bernet , p . 1997 . ornamentation predicts reproductive success in female pipefish . behav . ecol . sociobiol . 40 : 140 - 145 .
berglund , a . 2000 . sex role reversal in a pipefish : female ornaments as amplifying handicaps . ann . zool . fennici 37 : 1 - 13 .