First record of the pink pipefish, Bryx analicarens (Actinopterygii: Syngnathiformes: Syngnathidae), from Indian waters

Abstract

The occurrence of the pink pipefish, Bryx analicarens (Duncker, 1915), is reported for the first time from Indian waters. The geographical distribution of the species extends from east Africa, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to Pakistan and now to the west coast of India. Although a total of 32 pipefish species have hitherto been reported from India, the presently reported finding of B. analicarens constitutes the first record of the genus from the country. Morphometric characters, like the absence of the anal fin, the number of trunk rings (15) and tails rings (34), and dorsal fin rays (25) distinguish the species from other species in the region. Bryx analicarens differs from its congeners by having alternately arranged irregular brownish and white bands along the snout. The presently reported study also emphasizes the need for a detailed study of syngnathid biodiversity and a stock assessment of the coral reef ecosystems of the Gulf of Kachchh Marine National Park and Sanctuary for developing conservation strategies.

Keywords

• pipefish
• first country record
• Syngnathidae
• taxo