Family : Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses) , subfamily: Syngnathinae
Order : Syngnathiformes  (pipefishes and seahorses)
Class : Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Fishbase Name : Sculptured pipefish
Fish Name : Choeroichthys sculptus
Max size : 8.5 cm TL (male/unsexed; Ref. 9710)
Environment : reef-associated ; depth range 2 - 3 m
Climate : tropical; 35°N - 25°S
Global Importance : fisheries: of no interest
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)Distribution : Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Line, Society (Ref. 4281), and Gambier islands, north to southern Japan, south to Tonga.
Diagnosis : Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27-34; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 4-4. Short-snouted; dark, blackish brown with small black spots and small white ocelli in parallel series along trunk, and some white speckles over the back (Ref. 48635). Males are characterized by vertical row of silver spots (Ref 1602).
Biology : Inhabits intertidal reef flats. Also found in seagrass habitats to few meters depth (Ref. 48635). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). Males may be brooding at 4.6 cm SL (Ref. 30874)
Threatened : Dangerous:  
Dangerous : harmless
Coordinator :
Main Ref : Dawson, C.E.. 1985. (Ref. 5316)

India country information
Common Names : [ No common name ]
Status : native
Salinity : marine
Uses : no uses