Banded Pipefish

Possess nine (9) different color phases. Similar to Halicampus zavorensis, it has a short snout (2.7-3.7 in HL) with a continuous and essentially linear median dorsal ridges. Different with H. zavorensis in having 17-18 trunk ridges (vs. 14); 32 - 35 tail rings (vs. 36 - 37); and having 18 - 22 dorsal-fin rays (vs. 22 - 23) (Ref. 52313).

Male carries the eggs in a brood pouch (Ref. 205).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 19 - 21; Analsoft rays: 1 - 3

Occurs in pockets of coral rubble (low coral growth on white sand bottom), usually in the vicinity of sea fans (Ref. 5521, 7251, 9710). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205).