Aulorhynchidae

Aulorhynchidae is a small family of ray-finned fish belonging to the order Gasterosteiformes. This family currently contains only one genus, Aulorhynchus, and two extant species. These fish are characterized by their elongated bodies, a series of detached spines preceding the dorsal fin, and a long, tubular snout. They are typically found in the temperate waters of the North Pacific Ocean.

The two recognized species within the Aulorhynchidae family are Aulorhynchus flavidus and Aulorhynchus perspicillus. Aulorhynchus flavidus, commonly known as the kelp greenling or kelp pipefish, is widespread along the Pacific coast of North America. Aulorhynchus perspicillus is found in the western North Pacific, including the waters around Japan and Korea. These fish inhabit shallow coastal areas, often associating with seaweed beds and rocky substrates. Their diet consists mainly of small invertebrates and plankton, which they capture using their protrusible jaws and specialized snout.

The reproductive biology of aulorhynchids is not extensively studied, but they are believed to be oviparous, with external fertilization. Parental care, if any, is also poorly understood. Due to their relatively small size and specific habitat requirements, aulorhynchid species are not of significant commercial importance, though they may play a role in the local marine ecosystem. Their taxonomic classification has seen some revision, with some earlier classifications placing them in different families, but current understanding supports their placement within Aulorhynchidae.