Common Name: Javelin Pipefish

Distribution: Common in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Endemic to Australia it is found around the southern half of the continent from southern Queensland to around Perth in Western Australia, including Tasmania.

Ecological Notes: Frequents inshore waters in areas of algae or seagrass. Small size and cryptic colouration ensure it is rarely seen.

Additional Notes: Specimen pictured found in tidal pool on rocky headland, approximately 20 mm long. Colouration is variable with females brown, green, yellow or whitish, males may be pale white to blue. Ovovivaparous, the male carries the eggs in a brood pouch under the tail. Grows to about 10 cm. 

References: FishBase. Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2018. World Wide Web electronic publication. https://fishbase.ca/summary/Lissocampus-runa.html. Accessed 04/06/18.

 Atlas of Living Australia website at https://bie.ala.org.au/search?q=Lissocampus+runa. Accessed 04/06/18.