Janss Pipefish (Doryrhamphus janssi) are fascinating creatures, closely related to seahorses, with their long, slender bodies and tubular snouts. These small fish, reaching up to 14 cm in length, can be found in tropical and subtropical waters, including the vibrant dive sites around Koh Tao. Their distinct coloration is a treat for divers: a bright orange body, a blue head and anterior portion of the trunk and a black tail featuring a white dot in the center.
Behavior and Diet
Janss Pipefish are often found swimming in pairs under rocky overhangs or large plate corals, which offer them protection and a place to hide. They are known for their constant movement, weaving through coral and rocks in search of food, making them a challenge to photograph.Their continuous motion and small size often require patience and skill to capture their details clearly. Their diet primarily consists of tiny crustaceans, plankton, and other small organisms, which they suck up using their tubular snouts. Without teeth, they rely on the vacuum created by their snouts to swiftly capture prey, making them surprisingly effective hunters despite their delicate and slender appearance.
Reproduction
Janss Pipefish, like their seahorse relatives, have an intriguing reproductive process. After mating, the female transfers her eggs to the male’s brood pouch. He takes on most of the parenting duties, carrying the eggs until they hatch. Inside his pouch, he provides all the necessary postzygotic care, nourishing and oxygenating the developing offspring through a placenta-like connection.
Predators
Janss Pipefish face a range of predators in their coral reef habitats. Their main predators include larger fish species, such as groupers and snappers. They are also vulnerable to predation by some types of moray eels and sea anemones.
Where to Find Janss’ Pipefish on Koh Tao
You can spot Janss’ Pipefish at many dive sites around Koh Tao, check out these locations:
