SYNGNATHIDAE Phoxocampus belcheri, 4.5 cm (photo by Richard Witerbottom) Phoxocampus belcheri (Kaup, 1856) Rock Pipefish D 20-24; A 3-4; P1 11-13. Trunk rings 16-17; tail rings 29-32. Superior trunk and tail ridges continuous; inferior trunk and tail ridges continuous, lateral trunk ridge not deflected and not confluent with inferior tail ridges; principal tail ridges produced laterally, the posterior angles of tail rings hooklike. Dorsal-fin origin on trunk, anal fin present. Color: usually tan to dark brown, dorsum of body sometimes with 10-11 diffuse pale bars; lower part of side and venter of trunk often with dark bars. Size: maximum length about 8 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, from Red Sea and East Africa, eastward to Japan, Fiji Islands and Tonga. Remarks: occurs in tide pools and rocky or coral reefs to 25 m depth.