Fin's Fish Guide
The Gulf pipefish (Syngnathus scovelli) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, in seagrass beds, estuaries and even fresh river water; strongly euryhaline.
Description
The Gulf pipefish is a thin, stiff pipefish of the family Syngnathidae reaching about 18 cm. The elongate body is encased in bony rings instead of scales and ends in a tube-shaped snout with which the fish sucks in small zooplankton and shrimp-like crustaceans. Unlike most fish the female is the more boldly marked sex (with silvery cross-bands) and competes for males. As in seahorses the male broods the eggs in a pouch and 'gives birth' to live young. The species lives in seagrass beds, estuaries and even fresh river water along the western Atlantic coast from the USA to Brazil and is remarkably salt-tolerant. Because of its small size it has no fishery value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Gulf pipefish?
The Gulf pipefish has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Slender, stiff small pipefish with a tubular snout and a body in bony rings; the male carries the eggs to term in a pouch.
Where does the Gulf pipefish live?
The Gulf pipefish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, in seagrass beds, estuaries and even fresh river water; strongly euryhaline.
How big does the Gulf pipefish get?
The Gulf pipefish grows to a maximum of about 18 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.
Is the Gulf pipefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Gulf pipefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Gulf pipefish edible?
The Gulf pipefish is not usually eaten.
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Status & sources
Same genus Syngnathus
More from the family Syngnathidae
Want the complete picture on the Gulf pipefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Gulf pipefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.