Naked Pipefish

Planktonic juveniles have lateral spines on the snout. Rings: 13-14+37-40=51-55 (Ref. 37816)Description: Characterized by generally brownish color; often with small dark spots on snout and opercle; sometimes with dark-edged pale spot near anteroventral angle of opercle; 10 caudal rays; discontinuous superior trunk and tail ridges; straight lateral trunk ridge, ends near anal ring; continuous inferior trunk and tail ridges; length of snout 2.6-3.3 in head length (Ref. 90102).

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

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 26 - 30; Analsoft rays: 3

Metamorphosed individuals may be found in tide pools to a depth of at least 14 m (Ref. 1602). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205).

Bhanotia nuda (naked pipefish) is a marine fish of the family Syngnathidae. It is found in the western central Pacific, near Palau and southeastern Papua New Guinea. It inhabits shallow (0–2 metres (0.0–6.6 ft)) reef habitats, mangrove forests, coral reefs, and silty waters (metamorphosed individuals found in deeper tide pools – up to 14 metres (46 ft)), where it can grow to lengths of 7 centimetres (2.8 in). This species is ovoviviparous, with the males carrying eggs in brood pouches until they are ready to hatch.