Syngnathus watermeyeri Smith, 1963
River pipefish
photo by SFSA

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae
Max. size:  13 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; brackish
Distribution:  Africa: Known only from areas of tidal influence within the Kariega, Kasouga and Bushmans Rivers, South Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 28-32; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 3-3. Greenish brown with close-set dark lines on head and pale lines on body (Ref. 4281).
Biology:  Occurs in rivers with tidal influence. Found in association with submerged aquatic macrophytes, primarily the eelgrass Zostera capensis (Ref. 26174). Sympatric with Syngnathus acus in the eelgrass beds (Ref. 26174). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered (CR); Date assessed: 25 May 2016 (C2a(i)b) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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