Bhanotia pauciradiata Allen & Kuiter, 1995
Few-rayed pipefish
Bhanotia pauciradiata
photo by Kuiter, R.H.

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae
Max. size:  3.21 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 12 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Indonesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-17; Anal soft rays: 4-4. Superior trunk ridge not continuous with superior tail ridge; inferior trunk ridge continuous with inferior trunk ridge; lateral trunk ridge straight, ending near anal ring; median dorsal snout ridge discontinuous with a pair of semi-isolated, ridge-like crests; each side of snout with a small conical projection; total body rings 44; dorsal rays 17 (Ref. 31114). Caudal fin minute (Ref. 31114). Description: Characterized by whitish color with faint dusky bars across dorsal and ventral surfaces; dorsal bars at intervals of every 3-4 body rings and ventral bars on every ring; 10 caudal rays; rings 16 + 28; length of snout 2.6-3.3 in head length (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Known from a single specimen collected from a reef slope with algae-covered coralline rock-rubble (Ref. 48635). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 24 March 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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