Hippichthys penicillus (Cantor 1849)

Monogamous mating is observed as both obligate and genetic (Ref. 52884). Female deposits eggs on the ventral surface of the male's tail, where they are incubated for several weeks (Ref. 2847).

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 2331

Inhabits lower reaches of streams and rivers, also seagrass beds in estuaries and other shallow inshore habitats.

Adults inhabit lower reaches of streams and rivers, also seagrass beds in estuaries and other shallow inshore habitats (Ref. 43081, 44894). Occur in mangrove estuaries and tidal creeks (Ref. 44894). Males exhibit parental care by incubating and guarding the eggs in their brood pouch (Ref. 43081). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205).