Fin's Fish Guide
The Barbed pipefish (Bhanotia fasciolata) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Description
The barbed pipefish is a small pipefish from the eastern Indian Ocean and the western Pacific, from the Andaman Sea to Vanuatu. It grows to about 9 cm and has an elongate body armoured with bony rings, with a rounded cross-section and a tubular snout. A ridge runs behind the eyes and dark cross-bars lie below the head. The fish lives on coral reefs and muddy bottoms of shallow coastal water and sucks up small crustaceans with its snout. Like all pipefishes the male carries the eggs in a brood pouch on its belly. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Barbed pipefish?
The Barbed pipefish has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Body armoured with bony rings; the male carries eggs in a brood pouch
Where does the Barbed pipefish live?
The Barbed pipefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Barbed pipefish get?
The Barbed pipefish grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Barbed pipefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Barbed pipefish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Barbed pipefish edible?
The Barbed pipefish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Bhanotia
More from the family Syngnathidae
Want the complete picture on the Barbed pipefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barbed pipefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.