Redstripe Pipefish

Dunckerocampus baldwini

The Redstripe Pipefish is a slender, eel-like fish that can grow up to 15 cm in length, featuring a distinctive bright red stripe along its body. This characteristic stripe makes it relatively easy to identify among other pipefish species. It is found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in caves, rocky crevices, and on the seaward slopes of coral reefs. The species inhabits depths ranging from 6 to 128 meters, with adults often residing between 6.1 and 48.8 meters. This species is known for its role as a cleaner fish, removing small parasitic crustaceans from other fish such as cave cardinal fish and moray eels. Redstripe Pipefish are typically solitary and secretive, preferring to be alone rather than in groups. Their breeding is ovoviviparous, with males carrying fertilized eggs in a brood pouch located beneath their trunk. The brood can contain up to 200 embryos, and males start brooding at around 10.7 cm in length. Divers may encounter the Redstripe Pipefish in association with other fish like iridescent cardinalfish and Hawaiian squirrelfish. Despite its elusive nature, it is harmless to humans and poses no danger. The IUCN classifies this species as Least Concern.