Fin's Fish Guide
The Common pipefish (Syngnathus acus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Norway to West Africa, with the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, among seagrass and seaweeds.
Description
The greater pipefish is a strikingly long, thin marine fish of the family Syngnathidae, related to the seahorses, reaching about 50 cm. The snake-like body is encased in bony rings and tapers in front into a long, tubular snout with a small mouth, with which the fish sucks in small plankton. The species lives among seagrass and weeds of the eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Mediterranean, often in shallow, sheltered water. Most remarkable is its reproduction: the female lays the eggs in a brood pouch under the male's tail, which he incubates and from which he 'gives birth' to the young. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common pipefish?
The Common pipefish has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Long, thin body with bony rings and a tubular snout; the male carries the eggs in a brood pouch under the tail.
Where does the Common pipefish live?
The Common pipefish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Norway to West Africa, with the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, among seagrass and seaweeds.
How big does the Common pipefish get?
The Common pipefish grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.
Is the Common pipefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Common pipefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Common pipefish edible?
The Common pipefish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Common 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 Common pipefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common pipefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.