The messmate pipefish (Corythoichthys haematopterus) is a species of marine fish in the family Syngnathidae. It is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa to the Vanuatu Islands. This species can reach a length of 19.8 cm. It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade where it is known as the dragonfaced pipefish.[1] Other common names are bloodspot pipefish, reef pipefish, reeftop pipefish and yellow-streaked pipefish.
The messmate pipefish exhibits biofluorescence, that is, when illuminated by blue or ultraviolet light, it re-emits it as yellow, and appears differently than under white light illumination. Biofluorescence may assist in intraspecific communication and camouflage.[2]