The glittering pipefish (Halicampus nitidus) is a species of marine coastal fish of the family Syngnathidae. It is found in the Western Pacific, from Viet Nam to Fiji and from the Ryukyu Islands to New Caledonia, where it inhabits corals, sand and reef flats to depths of 20 metres (66 ft). It can grow to lengths of 7.3 centimetres (2.9 in), and is expected to feed on small crustaceans, similar to other pipefishes. It is secretive and rarely observed. This species is ovoviviparous, with males carrying eggs and giving birth to live young.
Glittering Pipefish |
Halicampus nitidus
Government evidence of impact of climate change:
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IUCN Red List Assessment, Halicampus nitidus
The species is under threat from ongoing coral reef degradation and loss as a result of coastal development and pollution; destructive fishing practices; and the effects of climate change; but it is able to utilize other habitats.
Coral reefs are declining globally and in this species’ range from coastal development and pollution; destructive fishing practices such as trawling and dynamite use; and the effects of climate change including increases in sea surface temperatures and ocean acidification (Bruno and Selig 2007; Carpenter et al. 2008; De’Ath et al. 2012).
Global and regional efforts to mitigate anthropogenic climate change would likely benefit this species and its coral habitat.
One third of reef building corals face elevated extinction risk from climate change and local impacts.