Leptoichthys fistularius Kaup, 1853
Brushtail pipefish
Brushtail pipefish,  Brush-tailed pipefish

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Nerophinae
Max. size:  63 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: endemic to southern Australia.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Found in moderate to shallow depths (Ref. 205). Inhabit seagrass (Ref. 75154). Largest known pipefish, may well reach 65 cm SL. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The males carry the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). Males may be brooding at 20-21 cm SL.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 December 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Type locality, King George Sound, Western Australia, MNHN 6029 (holotype of Leptoichthys fistularius) (Ref. 5316, 75154). Known from Furneaux Group, Tasmania (148°E) and Port Phillip Bay, Victoria (144°54'E) to Esperance, Western Australia (33°52'S) (Ref. 75154).


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