| Family: |
Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Nerophinae |
| Max. size: |
8.5 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 6 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Line, Society (Ref. 4281), and Gambier islands, north to southern Japan, south to Tonga. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27-34; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 4-4. Short-snouted; dark, blackish brown with small black spots and small white ocelli in parallel series along trunk, and some white speckles over the back (Ref. 48635). Males are characterized by vertical row of silver spots (Ref 1602).
Description: Characterized by having 10 caudal rays; rings 18 - 21 + 27 - 34; continuous superior trunk and tail ridges; inferior trunk ridge ends on anal ring; confluent lateral trunk and inferior tail ridge; prominent longitudinal keels on scutella; length of snout 2.0-2.5 in head length; depth of snout 2.2-3.5 in snout length; head length 4.9-7.1 in SL (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits intertidal reef flats. Also found in seagrass habitats to few meters depth (Ref. 48635). 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 4.6 cm SL (Ref. 30874). Seen in lagoons and seaward reefs in 0-6 m (Ref 90102). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 27 February 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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