Samoan Pipefish

The 🇼🇸 Samoan pipefish, scientifically known as Halicampus mataafae, is a marine species within the Syngnathidae family. This species is prevalent throughout the Indo-Pacific region, extending from the 🌊 Red Sea to locales such as Sodwana Bay, 🇹🇼 Taiwan, the 🇲🇭 Marshall Islands, and 🇼🇸 Samoa. It typically resides in tidepools and coral and rocky reefs, inhabiting depths of up to 15 meters (49 feet).

Characterized by solitary behavior and cryptic habits, the 🇼🇸 Samoan pipefish is infrequently observed in its natural habitat. Its diet presumably consists of small crustaceans, and it can attain lengths of up to 14 centimeters (5.5 inches).

The species exhibits ovoviviparity, where males possess brood pouches to carry fertilized eggs; these pouches have folds that do not reach the center, ultimately resulting in the live birth of the young.

The specific epithet of Halicampus mataafae is a tribute to Mataafa, a former king of 🇼🇸 Samoa. It is recognized as a protected marine species under the 🇦🇺 Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act of 1999.

Halicampus mataafae can be distinguished by its reddish-brown coloration and the presence of small pale spots along its trunk and tail.