| Family: |
Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae |
| Max. size: |
3 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
demersal; marine; depth range 3 - 10 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Central Pacific: Indonesia, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-20. Holotype from 'reef', a brooding male lacks dorsal and pectoral fins, while those fins present in its pouch-larvae. Planktonic specimens at similar size of adults have dorsal fin and pectoral fins. The female looks much like female Acentronura, but have a moderately large caudal fin. The pouch of the male holotype is sac-like, also similar to Acentronura (Ref. 48635).
Description: Characterized by generally whitish color; pair of dark bands below eye; pectoral fin membranous, in pouch larvae and planktonic specimens, absent in adult; absence of anal fin; 10 caudal rays; rings 11 + 35 - 38; continuous superior trunk and tail ridges; end of inferior trunk ridge near anal ring; lateral trunk ridge confluent with inferior tail ridge; closed male brood pouch, sac-like, opening through anteromesial pore (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Specimens taken at the surface with nightlight and dipnet. May also be found on shallow mudflats with sparse seagrasses. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). Found in association with Briareum soft corals (Ref 90102). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 21 August 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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