Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded freshwater pipefish (Hippichthys spicifer) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Indo-Pacific, in shallow coastal and estuarine waters, sometimes among mangroves; also enters the fresh water of the lower reaches of rivers.
Description
The bellybarred pipefish is a pipefish (family Syngnathidae) of the Indo-Pacific. The species reaches about 18 cm and has an elongate, angular, brown to greenish body with bars on the belly and a tubular snout. It lives in shallow coastal and estuarine waters, sometimes among mangroves, and also regularly enters fresh water in the lower reaches of rivers. Its diet consists of small zooplankton and small crustaceans. Like all pipefishes the male carries the eggs until they hatch. The species tolerates salt, brackish and fresh water and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded freshwater pipefish?
The Banded freshwater pipefish has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Tolerates salt, brackish and fresh water; the male carries the eggs until they hatch.
Where does the Banded freshwater pipefish live?
The Banded freshwater pipefish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-Pacific, in shallow coastal and estuarine waters, sometimes among mangroves; also enters the fresh water of the lower reaches of rivers.
How big does the Banded freshwater pipefish get?
The Banded freshwater pipefish grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.
Is the Banded freshwater pipefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Banded freshwater pipefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Banded freshwater pipefish edible?
The Banded freshwater pipefish is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Hippichthys
More from the family Syngnathidae
Want the complete picture on the Banded freshwater pipefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded freshwater pipefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.