Micrognathus andersonii (Bleeker, 1858)
Shortnose pipefish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae
Max. size:  8.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 10 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa and Red Sea to Samoa, north to southern Japan, south to Tonga; Belau, to the eastern Caroline and Mariana Islands in Micronesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-24; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 2-4. Pale to dark brown in color, often with 2-3 blotches on sides of trunk (Ref. 4281). Description: Characterized by 10 caudal rays; rings 15 - 17 + 27 - 32; discontinuous superior trunk and tail ridges; inferior trunk ridge ends at anal ring; continuous lateral trunk ridge with inferior tail ridge; length of snout 2.7-3.4 in head length; depth of snout 1.6-2.8 in snout length; head length 8.1-10.4 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits tide pools, reef flats, and shallow sand flats among algae or seagrasses to a depth of 5 m or more. 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: 21 April 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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