Barhead pipefish (Microphis leiaspis)

Scientific name: Microphis leiaspis Bleeker, 1853

The Barhead pipefish (Microphis leiaspis) is a freshwater fish of the family Syngnathidae. Native range: Africa, occurs in Madagascar. Southeast Asia and Oceania: Japan south to Indonesia and east to New Caledonia and Fiji.

Biology

Found in streams, rivers, and estuaries. Ovoviviparous. The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail. Males may be brooding at 11.25 cm SL.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Microphis leiaspis
Family: Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses)
Order: Syngnathiformes (Pipefishes and Seahorses)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 19.0
Environment: Freshwater; brackish; demersal; amphidromous
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: occurs in Madagascar. Southeast Asia and Oceania: Japan south to Indonesia and east to New Caledonia and Fiji.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated 27 September 2026