Author: Short & Trevor-Jones, 2020
FBname: Harasti’s pipefish
Comments: This species inhabits semi-exposed bay entrances and ocean embayments in which the underwater terrain is characterised by sandy areas interspersed with boulders and hard flat reefs. Individuals and pairs of this species were observed in close association with a species of finger sponge appearing to a member of the family Callyspongiidae and several different species of red algae appearing to be of the family Gracilariaceae in the genera <i>Crassiphycus</i> and <i>Gracilaria</i>. It was not seen associating with any of the other numerous species of small to large sponges or tunicates present on the sessile-rich boulders nor within the canopy kelp <i>Ecklonia radiata</i>. It has also been observed on occasion active individuals swimming from one clump of red algae to another or feeding actively just outside the red algae. Feeding behaviour appears to be similar to other congeners, with individuals darting out from the cover of their alga to capture food such as small copepods and shrimp.  (Ref. 123272).