Festucalex scalaris (Günther, 1870)
Ladder pipefish

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae
Max. size:  18 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: endemic to Australia.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Most specimens are from trawls but one collection taken from a pond; some taken among weed and algae. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). Males may be brooding at 12 cm SL.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 July 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.