Fin's Fish Guide
The Brown pipefish (Halicampus mataafae) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Description
The Samoan pipefish is a small pipefish from the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to Hawaii and Samoa. The species grows to about 14 cm and has a slender, bony-ringed, brownish body. As a bottom-dweller it stays in tide pools and on shallow reef and flat bottoms and sucks up small plankton with its tubular snout. The male carries the eggs until they hatch. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brown pipefish?
The Brown pipefish has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Slender ringed body; intertidal dweller; the male carries the eggs
Where does the Brown pipefish live?
The Brown pipefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Brown pipefish get?
The Brown pipefish grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the Brown pipefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Brown 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 Brown pipefish edible?
The Brown 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 Halicampus
More from the family Syngnathidae
Want the complete picture on the Brown pipefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brown pipefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.