Halicampus mataafae (Jordan & Seale, 1906)
Samoan pipefish
photo by Shao, K.T.

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae
Max. size:  14 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 15 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa (Ref. 4281), north to Taiwan, south to Queensland, Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21-26; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 3-3. Brownish in color, sometimes with irregular diffuse pale bars on dorsum (Ref. 4281). Description: Characterized by having 10 caudal rays; rings 15 + 33 - 36; discontinuous superior trunk and tail ridges; inferior trunk ridge ends at anal ring; lateral trunk ridge confluent with inferior tail ridge; discontinuous median dorsal snout ridge with 2-3 semi-isolated spines or ridge-like crests; with skin flap appendages; length of snout 2.5-4.0 in head length; depth of snout 1.2-2.7 in snout length; head length 10.2-13.0 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Collected from reef pool, rock, and coral habitats to a depth of over 15 m. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). Solitary, but seldom noticed due to cryptic habits (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 December 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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