| Family: |
Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae |
| Max. size: |
16 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
demersal; freshwater; brackish; marine, amphidromous |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: Persian Gulf (Ref.80050), northern Red Sea and East Africa (Ref. 4127) to Fiji. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20-28; Anal soft rays: 2-3. Variable pale yellow to nearly black (Ref. 48635). Venter and side of trunk without dark bars; dorsal fin with 3-4 prominent brown spots on each ray (Ref. 4281).
Description: Characterized by presence of whitish or pale grey blotches and saddles; rings 12 - 14 + 32 - 35; 10 caudal rays; discontinuous superior trunk and tail ridges; ventrally deflected lateral trunk ridge near anal ring; continuous inferior trunk and tail ridges; head and body with short filaments; length of snout 1.3-2.6 in head length; depth of snout 3.0-5.4 in snout length; head length 7.5-9.8 in SL (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Adults occur in estuaries, lower reaches of coastal rivers and streams (Ref. 4127) and mangroves (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 6.5-7.5 SL. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 20 October 2016 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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