Festucalex kulbickii Fricke, 2004
Kulbicki’s pipefish
Festucalex kulbickii
photo by Steene, R.

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae
Max. size:  6.35 cm SL (male/unsexed); 6.77 cm SL (female)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 56 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 19-22; Anal soft rays: 4-4. This species is characterized by having principal tail ridges with a small posterior spine-like projection on each ring; pectoral fin rays 11-14; dorsal fin rays 19-22, body rings 16-17 + 31-40 (total 48-57), snout length 2.3-2.6 in head length; lateral trunk ridge ending on the 5th-9th tail ring; body with 13 broad pink bands (Ref. 75989). Description: Characterized by having variable color depending on surroundings, usually red, brown or whitish with narrow white or brown bars at intervals of every 4-5 rings; 10 caudal rays; superior and inferior trunk ridges continuous with respective tail ridges (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). Male carries the eggs in a brood pouch (Ref. 205). Found in coastal reefs (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 22 July 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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