Fin's Fish Guide
The Black-sided pipefish (Doryrhamphus excisus) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 7 cm.
Indo-Pacific, cryptic in crevices of rock and coral and under ledges of lagoon and seaward reefs.
Description
The bluestripe pipefish is a small pipefish (family Syngnathidae) of the Indo-Pacific. The species reaches about 7 cm and has an elongate, orange body with a conspicuous blue lateral stripe and a tubular snout. It is cryptic and stays in crevices of rocks and coral and beneath ledges of lagoon and seaward reefs. Its diet consists of small zooplankton and small crustaceans; sometimes it picks parasites from other fishes. Like all pipefishes the male carries the eggs until they hatch. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black-sided pipefish?
The Black-sided pipefish has a snake-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Small pipefish with a blue longitudinal stripe; sometimes cleans parasites off other fishes; the male carries the eggs.
Where does the Black-sided pipefish live?
The Black-sided pipefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific, cryptic in crevices of rock and coral and under ledges of lagoon and seaward reefs.
How big does the Black-sided pipefish get?
The Black-sided pipefish grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Black-sided pipefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Black-sided pipefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Black-sided pipefish edible?
The Black-sided pipefish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Doryrhamphus
More from the family Syngnathidae
Want the complete picture on the Black-sided pipefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black-sided pipefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.