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Syngnathiformes (Pipefishes and seahorses) >
Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses) > Nerophinae
Etymology: Microphis: Greek, mikros = small + greek, ophis = serpent (Ref. 45335).
More on author: Peters.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecología
marino; agua dulce; salobre demersal. Tropical
Africa: east coast from Sabaki River, Kenya, to Coffee Bay, South Africa (Ref. 4127, 52193); also Madagascar (Ref. 4127, 52193). Reported from Zimbabwe (Ref. 13337).
Tamaño / Peso / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 21.0 cm TL macho / no sexado; (Ref. 52193)
Short description
Claves de identificación | Morfología | Morfometría
Espinas dorsales (total) : 0; Radios blandos dorsales (total) : 60 - 69; Espinas anales: 0; Radios blandos anales: 4.
It occurs in coastal rivers and streams (Ref. 4127) where it can be found in quiet water amongst vegetation (Ref. 30558, 52193) or in the vicinity of logs at river edges (Ref. 30558). It is ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). During mating the female passes eggs to the male and the eggs become fertilized as they pass into the pouch of the male (Ref. 30558). The male brood the eggs and larvae in an abdominal pouch (Ref. 7248, Ref. 30558). After about three weeks the pouch opens and the male gives birth to fully formed young (Ref. 30558). The young begin to feed soon and may take refuge in the male pouch if necessary (Ref. 30558). It probably feeds on minute invertebrate organisms such as crustaceans and insects (Ref. 30558, 52193).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Madurez | Reproducción | Puesta | Huevos | Fecundidad | Larva
Male carries the eggs in a brood pouch (Ref. 205).
Dawson, C.E., 1986. Syngnathidae. p. 445-458. In M.M. Smith and P.C. Heemstra (eds.) Smiths' sea fishes. Springer-Verlag, Berlin. (Ref. 4281)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2024-1)
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