Straightstick Pipefish

Trachyrhamphus longirostris

Straightstick Pipefish is typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from Eastern Africa to Japan and the Solomon Islands. This pipefish inhabits muddy estuaries and the continental shelf, often lying on the bottom in sheltered areas. Divers may encounter them at depths ranging from 16 to 91 meters, with most sightings occurring shallower than 40 meters. This species can reach a maximum length of 40 centimeters, with males and unsexed individuals achieving similar sizes. The Straightstick Pipefish is solitary and is often found resting on mud bottoms, making it somewhat cryptic in its behavior. Its diet likely consists of small crustaceans, which it captures using its elongated snout. Reproduction in Straightstick Pipefish involves ovoviviparity, where the male carries the eggs in a brood pouch located under his tail until they hatch. This unique breeding behavior is a characteristic feature of the family Syngnathidae. The species is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.