Microphis spinachioides (Duncker, 1915)
Spinach pipefish

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Nerophinae
Max. size:  15 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater, potamodromous
Distribution:  Oceania: Sepik River and its midstream tributary (570 km upstream), the May River, Papua New Guinea. Also known from Ramu river (Ref. 13533).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 57-63
Biology:  Not well known, few specimens collected upstream 35-100 km from the sea. 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: 21 October 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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