| Family: |
Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae |
| Max. size: |
22 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 100 m, non-migratory |
| Distribution: |
Indo-West Pacific: India to Tahiti; north to Japan, south to Indonesia. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-22; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 4-4. Description: (based on 54 specimens): Adult height: 8.0-15.0cm. Rings: 11+40-41 (38-43). Snout length: 2.2 (1.9-2.4) in head length. Dorsal fin rays: 20 (18-22) covering 2+1 rings. Pectoral fin rays: 17-18 (16-19). Coronet: very low, in line with arch of neck, visible as five tiny points. Spines: low and small to slightly raised. Other distinctive characters: very sharp hook-like cheek and eye spines; quite flat in appearance; narrow head; no nose spine.
Color pattern: golden orange, sandy colored or totally black; may have large dark spots on the dorsolateral surface of the first, fourth and seventh trunk ring (less visible in dark specimens, and more common in males than females); some specimens ‘zebra striped’ in brown and white. |
| Biology: |
Inhabits gravel or sand bottoms around shallow reefs (Ref. 559); muddy estuaries and near mangroves, tolerating brackish waters (Ref. 48635). Occur singly or in pairs (Ref. 128523). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 06 September 2012 (A2bcd+4bcd) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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