Micrognathus micronotopterus (Fowler, 1938)
Tidepool pipefish

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae
Max. size:  5.7 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 6 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Singapore, western Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-19; Anal soft rays: 2-4. Description: Characterized by tan to dark brown color with 10-12 narrow pale bars crossing back, sometimes with dark bars crossing lower part of side and ventral surface of trunk; 1-6 dark blotches between lateral and superior trunk ridges in lighter fish; 10 caudal rays; rings 15 + 28 - 31; discontinuous superior trunk and tail ridges; inferior trunk ridge ends at anal ring; continuous lateral trunk ridge with inferior tail ridge; length of snout 2.3-3.0 in head length; depth of snout 2.1-3.1 in snout length; head length 7.2-8.9 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Occurs in tide pools and reef habitats from 1.5 to 5.5 m. 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: 26 April 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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