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Keeled pipefish (Syngnathus carinatus) — Syngnathidae

Keeled pipefish

Syngnathus carinatus
Family: Syngnathidae

The Keeled pipefish (Syngnathus carinatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 23 cm.

Length
23 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Mexico

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Description

The keeled pipefish is a pipefish (Syngnathidae) from shallow coastal waters with seagrass and weed beds. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a very thin, elongate body armoured with bony rings, a tubular snout and a small tail fin. Strongly camouflaged, it hovers among the blades and sucks in small zooplankton and larvae. The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch on its tail. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Keeled pipefish?

The Keeled pipefish has a snake-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Keeled pipefish live?

The Keeled pipefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Mexico

How big does the Keeled pipefish get?

The Keeled pipefish grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.

Is the Keeled pipefish dangerous to humans?

No, the Keeled 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Keeled pipefish sourced
Scientific name
Syngnathus carinatus
Family
Syngnathidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
23.0 verified
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Beak-shaped sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: Mexico sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Syngnathus

More from the family Syngnathidae

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