Fin's Fish Guide
The Black-striped pipefish (Syngnathus abaster) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 22 cm.
Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and adjacent eastern Atlantic coast, in shallow coastal, brackish and fresh water among aquatic plants.
Description
The black-striped pipefish is a thin pipefish of the family Syngnathidae, related to the seahorses, reaching about 22 cm. The snake-like body is encased in bony rings and brownish to greenish, sometimes with a dark lengthwise stripe; at the front is a fairly short, tubular snout with a small mouth with which the fish sucks up small plankton. The species is euryhaline and inhabits shallow coastal, brackish and even fresh water of the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic coast, often among water plants. Like other pipefishes the male carries the fertilised eggs in a brood pouch under the tail and 'gives birth' to the young. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black-striped pipefish?
The Black-striped pipefish has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Slender pipefish with bony rings and a short snout; the male carries the eggs in a brood pouch beneath the tail.
Where does the Black-striped pipefish live?
The Black-striped pipefish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and adjacent eastern Atlantic coast, in shallow coastal, brackish and fresh water among aquatic plants.
How big does the Black-striped pipefish get?
The Black-striped pipefish grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.
Is the Black-striped pipefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Black-striped pipefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Black-striped pipefish edible?
The Black-striped pipefish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Black-striped pipefish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Syngnathus
More from the family Syngnathidae
Want the complete picture on the Black-striped pipefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black-striped pipefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.