Location: Romblon Island
Depth: medium depth
Cover Photo: Christophe Kazmierski
Scientific Name: Kyonemichthys rumengani, Gomon, 2007
Type: Romblon Fish
Group: Rare Pipefish | Pipehorse
Family: Syngnathidae
This very unusual critter is extremely thin and has a unique way of swimming, which reminds one of Australian sea dragons. The Lembeh Seadragon (Kyonemichthys rumengani) was discovered in November 2006 in the Lembeh Strait, Indonesia and was named after Noldy Rumengan – the dive guide that pointed it out to an underwater photographer. Later it was scientifically described (Gomon in 2007). The Lembeh Seadragons live usually in pairs and are often hanging with their tails attached to small algae. This species grows to a length of 2.7 cm. Kyonemichthys rumengani is the only known member of its genus and the smallest syngnathid by weight, despite being longer than the pygmy seahorses.