Bhanotia nuda Dawson, 1978
Naked pipefish

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae
Max. size:  7 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 2 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Palau and southeastern Papua New Guinea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 26-30; Anal soft rays: 3-3. Planktonic juveniles have lateral spines on the snout. Rings: 13-14+37-40=51-55 (Ref. 37816) Description: Characterized by generally brownish color; often with small dark spots on snout and opercle; sometimes with dark-edged pale spot near anteroventral angle of opercle; 10 caudal rays; discontinuous superior trunk and tail ridges; straight lateral trunk ridge, ends near anal ring; continuous inferior trunk and tail ridges; length of snout 2.6-3.3 in head length (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Metamorphosed individuals may be found in tide pools to a depth of at least 14 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: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 June 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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