Family : Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses) , subfamily: Syngnathinae
Order : Syngnathiformes  (pipefishes and seahorses)
Class : Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Fishbase Name : Short-tailed pipefish
Fish Name : Microphis brachyurus brachyurus
Max size : 22.0 cm SL (male/unsexed; Ref. 5316)
Environment : demersal; anadromous
Climate : tropical; 35°N - 32°S
Global Importance : fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)Distribution : Asia and Oceania: Sri Lanka, southern India, Nicobar Islands and eastward to Japan and the Society Islands Records from Puerto Rico and USA need confirmation. Africa: east coast from Kenya south to Natal area. Also Madagascar and Mauritius (Ref. 7248). Africa: Côte d'Ivoire (Ref. 272). Western Atlantic: Atlantic coast of Florida, Bahamas, northern and southern Gulf of Mexico, Antilles, central and south American coasts to Brazil (Ref. 26938).
Diagnosis : Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 37-54; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 4-4
Biology : Occurs in relatively shallow (25-150 cm), still to slow-flowing water (Ref. 6028). Inhabits freshwater streams, rivers and estuaries. Juveniles and subadults are usually found in estuaries while adults are found upstream in freshwater areas. Feeds on worms, crustaceans and zooplankton. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). Not seen in markets (Ref. 12693
Threatened : Dangerous:  
Dangerous : harmless
Coordinator :
Main Ref : Dawson, C.E.. 1985. (Ref. 5316)

India country information
Common Names : Short-tailed pipefish
Status : native
Salinity : freshwater, brackish, marine
Uses : no uses