Fin's Fish Guide
The Barhead pipefish (Microphis leiaspis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 19 cm.
Description
The barhead pipefish is a pipefish occurring in fresh and brackish water of the Indo-Pacific region, including Indonesia, Japan, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The species grows to about 19 cm and has an elongate, eel-like body armoured with bony rings and a tubular snout with which it sucks up small crustaceans. It lives in brooks, rivers and estuaries and is amphidromous. Like all pipefishes the male carries the eggs in a brood pouch beneath the tail. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Barhead pipefish?
The Barhead pipefish has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Body armoured with bony rings; the male carries the eggs in a brood pouch; amphidromous
Where does the Barhead pipefish live?
The Barhead pipefish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Barhead pipefish get?
The Barhead pipefish grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.
Is the Barhead pipefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Barhead 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 Barhead pipefish edible?
The Barhead 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 Microphis
More from the family Syngnathidae
Want the complete picture on the Barhead pipefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barhead pipefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.