Phoxocampus belcheri (Kaup, 1856)
Rock pipefish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae
Max. size:  7.2 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 25 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa, eastward to Japan and Fiji Islands. Recently recorded from Tonga (Ref. 53797).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20-24; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 3-4. Description: Characterized by pale grey to brown color with dark spots along side of trunk in rows, one on each ridge and dark bar across ventral surface of each trunk ring, darker and more distinct anteriorly; 10 caudal rays; rings 16-17 + 29-32; continuous superior and inferior trunk ridges with respective tail ridges; lateral trunk ridge ends midlaterally between first and fifth tail ring; length of snout 2.4-3.1 in head length; depth of snout 1.8-2.8 in snout length; head length 7.1-9.4 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Occurs in tide pools and rocky or coral reefs. 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: 16 November 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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