Briareum Pipefish

Holotype from 'reef', a brooding male lacks dorsal and pectoral fins, while those fins present in its pouch-larvae. Planktonic specimens at similar size of adults have dorsal fin and pectoral fins. The female looks much like female Acentronura, but have a moderately large caudal fin. The pouch of the male holotype is sac-like, also similar to Acentronura (Ref. 48635).Description: Characterized by generally whitish color; pair of dark bands below eye; pectoral fin membranous, in pouch larvae and planktonic specimens, absent in adult; absence of anal fin; 10 caudal rays; rings 11 + 35 - 38; continuous superior trunk and tail ridges; end of inferior trunk ridge near anal ring; lateral trunk ridge confluent with inferior tail ridge; closed male brood pouch, sac-like, opening through anteromesial pore (Ref. 90102).

Male carries the eggs in a brood pouch (Ref. 205).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 1720

Specimens taken at the surface with nightlight and dipnet. May also be found on shallow mudflats with sparse seagrasses. Found in association with Briareum soft corals (Ref 90102).

Specimens taken at the surface with nightlight and dipnet. May also be found on shallow mudflats with sparse seagrasses. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). Found in association with Briareum soft corals (Ref 90102).

Apterygocampus epinnulatus is a species of pipefish native to the Pacific Ocean where it occurs around the countries of the Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. This species grows to a length of 3 centimetres (1.2 in) SL. This species is the only known member of its genus.