Corythoichthys haematopterus, known commonly as the Messmate pipefish, is a species of marine fish in the family Syngnathidae. The Messmate pipefish is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa to the Vanuatu Islands. The Messmate pipefish is a small size fish and can reach a maximum size of 19.8 cm length. It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade where it is commonly known as the Dragonfaced pipefish.