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Hippocampus pusillus Fricke, 2004 Pygmy thorny seahorse |
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photo by
Fricke, R. |
| Family: | Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae | |||
| Max. size: | 3.9 cm OT (male/unsexed); 2.83 cm OT (female) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 35 - 228 m, non-migratory | |||
| Distribution: | Western Pacific: New Caledonia. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-15; Anal soft rays: 12-13. This pygmy spiny seahorse is distinguished by the following characters: dorsal fin rays 15; pectoral fin rays 12-13; trunk rings 13; tail rings 34; subdorsal spines 3/0,1,0; moderately large nose spine, its height about equal to or slightly smaller than pupil; above the eyes, the double spine is moderately long, longer than pupil diameter; lateral head spine double and large; raised coronet with 6 groups of 1-6 spines each; restricted gill openings, not reaching to neck ridge; shoulder rings confluent over the neck ridge forming a continuous collar; upper shoulder ring spine opposite 9th-11th pectoral fin rays; snout length is approximately 45-47% of head length (Ref. 75989). | |||
| Biology: | ||||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 15 August 2016 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||