Fin's Fish Guide
The Beady pipefish (Hippichthys penicillus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Description
The beady pipefish is a pipefish (Syngnathidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species has a very slender, tube-shaped body with bony rings and a long, tubular snout with which it sucks up small prey. It inhabits the lower reaches of streams and rivers, seagrass beds in estuaries and other shallow inshore habitats, and enters mangrove estuaries; it tolerates both fresh and brackish water. Like all pipefishes the male carries the fertilised eggs in a brood pouch under the tail until they hatch. It feeds on small crustaceans. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Beady pipefish?
The Beady pipefish has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Tolerates fresh and brackish water; the male carries the eggs in a brood pouch under the tail.
Where does the Beady pipefish live?
The Beady pipefish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-Pacific; lower rivers, estuaries and mangroves.
How big does the Beady pipefish get?
The Beady pipefish grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.
Is the Beady pipefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Beady pipefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Beady pipefish edible?
The Beady 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 Hippichthys
More from the family Syngnathidae
Want the complete picture on the Beady pipefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Beady pipefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.