Fin's Fish Guide
The Honshu pipefish (Doryrhamphus japonicus) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Description
The Honshu pipefish is a small, colourful pipefish from the northwest Pacific, around Japan and adjacent waters. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a slender body with a dark longitudinal stripe and a round, flagged tail with white and red edges. It lives among coral and in caves on shallow reef and acts partly as a cleaner fish removing parasites from larger fish. As in pipefishes, the male carries the eggs. The fish appears in the reef aquarium. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Honshu pipefish?
The Honshu pipefish has a snake-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Flag-like tail with white and red margins; cleaner pipefish, the male carries the eggs
Where does the Honshu pipefish live?
The Honshu pipefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Northwest Pacific
How big does the Honshu pipefish get?
The Honshu pipefish grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Honshu pipefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Honshu 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 Honshu pipefish edible?
The Honshu 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 Doryrhamphus
More from the family Syngnathidae
Want the complete picture on the Honshu pipefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Honshu pipefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.