Heraldia nocturna Paxton, 1975
Upside-down pipefish

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Nerophinae
Max. size:  9.2 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 15 m
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: southern Australia, from Geographe Bay, Western Australia to Terrigal, New South Wales.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Adults occur in rocky reefs. Appear to feed nocturnally, and usually found swimming upside down in caves or under ledges during the day. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). Males carry the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). Males may be brooding at 6.3 cm SL.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 19 April 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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