SYNGNATHIDAE Halicampus spinirostris, 5.1 cm (photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin) Halicampus spinirostris (Dawson and Allen, 1981) Short-nosed Pipefish D 19-20; A 3; P1 13-14. Trunk rings 14; tail rings 33-35. Superior trunk and tail ridges discontinuous; inferior trunk and tail ridges discontinuous, lateral trunk ridge confluent with inferior tail ridge; median dorsal snout ridge not essentially concave in lateral profile, with 2-3 semi-isolated spines or ridgelike elevation; lateral snout ridge or spine present; with dermal flaps on eye. Caudal fin small, typically with 10 rays. Male brood area under tail. Color: pale or tan, head blotched or mottled with brown; dorsum and side of body with about 4 broad dark bars, separated by narrow pale interspaces. Size: maximum length about 12 cm. Distribution: Eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific, from Sri Lanka and Western Australia to Queensland and American Samoa. Remarks: inhabits rock or coral habitats within the depth range of 5-10 m.