Fin's Fish Guide
The Hairy pipefish (Urocampus carinirostris) is a brackish-water fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Temperate waters around southern Australia; lower reaches of rivers, estuaries and coastal waters.
Description
The hairy pipefish is a small pipefish of the seahorse and pipefish family (Syngnathidae) from the temperate waters around southern Australia. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a very slender, tubular body with a keeled snout and often small skin appendages that camouflage it among seagrass and weed. It inhabits the lower reaches of rivers, estuaries and other sheltered inshore habitats. With its tubular snout it sucks up small zooplankton and tiny crustaceans. Like all pipefishes the male carries the eggs until they hatch. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Hairy pipefish?
The Hairy pipefish has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Slender, keeled body with skin appendages as camouflage; the male carries the eggs.
Where does the Hairy pipefish live?
The Hairy pipefish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Temperate waters around southern Australia; lower reaches of rivers, estuaries and coastal waters.
How big does the Hairy pipefish get?
The Hairy pipefish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Hairy pipefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Hairy pipefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Hairy pipefish edible?
The Hairy 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 Urocampus
More from the family Syngnathidae
Want the complete picture on the Hairy pipefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Hairy pipefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.