Doryrhamphus japonicus

Doryrhamphus japonicus, also called the Honshu pipefish, is a species of flagtail pipefish in the genus Doryrhamphus. It occurs in the Western Pacific, ranging from Milne Bay in Papua New Guinea to Sulawesi, the Philippines, Honshu and Korea. This marine demersal fish lives in lagoons, reefs and tidal pools, usually at depths shallower than 10 metres. It associates with sea urchins and sponges, and feeds on parasites on other fishes.

Common name

Honshu pipefish

Habitat depth

Down to 30 metres, unusual below 10 metres

Feeding behavior

Active cleaner feeding on fish parasites