| Family: |
Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae |
| Max. size: |
7.3 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 20 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Pacific: Viet Nam to Fiji, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to Rowley Shoals and New Caledonia; Belau in Micronesia. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-22; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 3-3. Superior trunk and tail ridges discontinuous; inferior trunk ridge ending at anal ring; lateral trunk ridge continuous with inferior tail ridge; body rings 13-15 + 30-32.
Description: Characterized by greyish brown color with irregular and narrow white bars corresponding with rings; 10 caudal rays; discontinuous median dorsal snout ridge with 1-3 semi-isolated spines or crests; head and body with skin flap appendages; length of snout 2.9-3.7 in head length; depth of snout 2.0-2.6 in snout length; head length 8.2-10.7 in SL (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Adults inhabit reef flats to a depth of over 17 m. Easily recognized by color but secretive and not often seen (Ref. 48635). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). Also seen in coral reefs in 1-20 m (Ref 90102). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 30 May 2016 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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