Family: |
Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae |
Max. size: |
14 cm OT (male/unsexed) |
Environment: |
demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 80 m, non-migratory |
Distribution: |
Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea and Arabian Sea (Israel), Oman and Pakistan. |
Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-19. Description: (based on 8 specimens): Adult height: 11.0-13.0cm. Rings: 11+38-39. Snout length: 2.1 (1.9-2.4) in head length. Dorsal fin rays: 18-19 covering 2+1 rings. Pectoral fin rays: 17-18. Coronet: low-medium with four very long sharp spines. Spines: very long and sharp; no spines on alternate tail rings. Other distinctive characters: double cheek spine (usually); double spine below eye; very long, sharp spine in front of coronet and above eye. Color pattern: pale cream or beige colored; often with a pattern of large white spots on body and face; spines with a broad dark band near tip; dark mid-ventral line. |
Biology: |
Found in seagrass beds, e.g. Halophila spp. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). |
IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 August 2016 Ref. (130435)
|
Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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