Microphis millepunctatus (Kaup, 1856)
Shorttail pipefish
photo by Keith, P.

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Nerophinae
Max. size:  22 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; brackish; marine
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Kenya to Durban, South Africa and from Madagascar, Mauritius, and Reunion.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 39-45; Anal soft rays: 4-4. Body rings: trunk 19 to 22; tail 20 to 22 (Ref. 57749).
Biology:  Occurs in coastal rivers, streams, and estuaries (Ref. 4127). 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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