It is found in the Indo-Pacific, from Sri Lanka to Samoa, and from Japan and the Marshall Islands to central Australia.

[2][1] It lives in rocky and coral reefs, rubble, lagoons and intertidal zones, often at depths of 2–12 metres (6.6–39.4 ft), where it can grow to lengths of 12 centimetres (4.7 in).

[1][2] It is expected to feed on small crustaceans, similar to other pipefish.

This species is ovoviviparous, with males carrying eggs in a brood pouch before giving birth to live young.

[1] H. spinirostris is pale to dark brown coloured, with four alternating thick dark and thin white bars.