Fin's Fish Guide
The Girdled pipefish (Festucalex cinctus) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The girdled pipefish is a small pipefish from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 13 cm and has a very slender, bony-ringed body with narrow dark cross-bands (girdles). As a bottom-dweller it stays among weeds, seagrass and rubble of shallow coastal water and sucks up small plankton with its tubular snout. Like other pipefishes 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 Girdled pipefish?
The Girdled pipefish has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Slender ringed body; the male carries the eggs
Where does the Girdled pipefish live?
The Girdled pipefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Girdled pipefish get?
The Girdled pipefish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Girdled pipefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Girdled 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 Girdled pipefish edible?
The Girdled 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 Festucalex
More from the family Syngnathidae
Want the complete picture on the Girdled pipefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Girdled pipefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.