Multibar Pipefish

Dunckerocampus multiannulatus, commonly known as the many-banded pipefish, is a marine species within the Syngnathidae family.

This species is prevalent throughout the 🌊 Indian Ocean, ranging from the 🌊 Red Sea and 🇿🇦 South Africa to the Andaman Islands and Sumatra (🇮🇩 Indonesia), 🇮🇩 Indonesia.

It primarily inhabits coral and rocky reef ecosystems, extending to depths of up to 45 meters (148 feet), and can achieve lengths of up to 18 centimeters (7.1 inches).

Notably, the many-banded pipefish functions as an active cleaner, consuming small crustaceans residing on other fish.

This species exhibits an ovoviviparous reproductive strategy, whereby males assume the role of brooding, carrying eggs and giving birth to live offspring.

Male pipefish can begin brooding at a size of approximately 13 centimeters (5.1 inches).