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Helen's pygmy pipehorse (Idiotropiscis larsonae) — Syngnathidae

Helen's pygmy pipehorse

Idiotropiscis larsonae
Family: Syngnathidae

The Helen's pygmy pipehorse (Idiotropiscis larsonae) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
3.0–9.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

Helen's pygmy pipehorse is a tiny pipehorse (Syngnathidae) from shallow weedy and reef water of southern Australia. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a slender, armoured body intermediate between a pipefish and a seahorse, with a tubular snout and a prehensile tail with which it holds onto weed and hydroids, perfectly camouflaged. It sucks up minute crustaceans. The male carries the eggs. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Helen's pygmy pipehorse?

The Helen's pygmy pipehorse has a snake-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Helen's pygmy pipehorse live?

The Helen's pygmy pipehorse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Helen's pygmy pipehorse get?

The Helen's pygmy pipehorse grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Helen's pygmy pipehorse dangerous to humans?

No, the Helen's pygmy pipehorse is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Larsons dwerg-zeenaaldpaard sourced
English name
Helen's pygmy pipehorse sourced
Scientific name
Idiotropiscis larsonae
Family
Syngnathidae
Other names
Larson's pipehorse verified

Appearance

Max length (cm)
5 inferred
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Beak-shaped inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
3.0 verified
Max depth (m)
9.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Syngnathidae

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