HomeFish encyclopediaRay-finned fishesPipefishes and SeahorsesPipefishes and seahorsesMacleay's crested pipefish Macleay's crested pipefish (Histiogamphelus cristatus) Scientific name: Histiogamphelus cristatus Macleay, 1881 The Macleay's crested pipefish (Histiogamphelus cristatus) is a marine fish of the family Syngnathidae. Native range: Eastern Indian Ocean, southern Australia. BiologyFound on the continental shelf. Ovoviviparous. The males carry the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail. Males may be brooding at 13.6 cm SL.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameHistiogamphelus cristatusFamilySyngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses)OrderSyngnathiformes (Pipefishes and Seahorses)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length26.5EnvironmentMarine; demersalClimateSubtropicalDistributionEastern Indian Ocean: southern Australia.Conservation status (IUCN)Not EvaluatedThreat to humansHarmlessResilienceHigh, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026