Tidepool Pipefish

Description: Characterized by tan to dark brown color with 10-12 narrow pale bars crossing back, sometimes with dark bars crossing lower part of side and ventral surface of trunk; 1-6 dark blotches between lateral and superior trunk ridges in lighter fish; 10 caudal rays; rings 15 + 28 - 31; discontinuous superior trunk and tail ridges; inferior trunk ridge ends at anal ring; continuous lateral trunk ridge with inferior tail ridge; length of snout 2.3-3.0 in head length; depth of snout 2.1-3.1 in snout length; head length 7.2-8.9 in SL (Ref. 90102).

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

Dorsal soft rays (total): 17 - 19; Analsoft rays: 2 - 4

Found in inshore waters (Ref. 75154).

Occurs in tide pools and reef habitats from 1.5 to 5.5 m. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205).