Micrognathus pygmaeus Fritzsche, 1981
Thorntailed pipefish

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae
Max. size:  6 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 12 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Moluccas to Society Islands, north to Marshall Islands; south to New Caledonia; Palau, Mariana Islands, and Marshall Islands in Micronesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-21; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 3-3. SL to 55 mm; R 15-16(15)+28-31: SL 2.6-3.3.
Biology:  Inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs from tide pools to a depth of at least 8 m (Ref. 1602). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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