Synopsis of the Indo-Pacific Genus Solegnathus (Pisces: Syngnathidae)

Abstract

Available information on the solegnathines or “pipehorses” is summarized from the literature and known museum specimens. Within Solegnathus Swainson, the subgenus Solegnathus (discontinuous superior trunk and tail ridges) includes S.hardwickii (Gray) (Australia, S.China Sea, western Japan), S.lettiensis Bleeker (Australia, Indonesia), S.spinosissimus Günther (Australia, New Zealand) and S.robustus McCulloch (an Australian endemic).A second subgenus, Runcinatus Whitley (continuous superior ridges), is represented by one Australian species, S. dunckeri Whitley. Solegnathus guentheri Duncker is considered a junior synonym of S.lettiensis, and S.robustus naso Whitley is referred to the synonymy of S.spinosissimus. A key to subadults and adults is provided, together with comprehensive synonymies, diagnoses and illustrations for all species.