Fin's Fish Guide
The Medium-snouted pipefish (Vanacampus phillipi) is a brackish-water fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Temperate coastal waters of southern Australia; rock pools and estuaries.
Description
The Port Phillip pipefish is a pipefish (Syngnathidae) from the temperate coastal waters of southern Australia. The species has a very slender, tube-shaped body with bony rings and a long, tubular snout with which it sucks up small prey. It occurs in rock pools and estuaries, often among vegetation, where its slender shape provides camouflage. Like all pipefishes it has reversed parental care: the male carries the fertilised eggs in a brood pouch under the tail until they hatch. It feeds on small crustaceans. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Medium-snouted pipefish?
The Medium-snouted pipefish has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Long tubular snout; the male carries the eggs in a brood pouch under the tail.
Where does the Medium-snouted pipefish live?
The Medium-snouted pipefish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Temperate coastal waters of southern Australia; rock pools and estuaries.
How big does the Medium-snouted pipefish get?
The Medium-snouted pipefish grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.
Is the Medium-snouted pipefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Medium-snouted pipefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Medium-snouted pipefish edible?
The Medium-snouted pipefish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Vanacampus
More from the family Syngnathidae
Want the complete picture on the Medium-snouted pipefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Medium-snouted pipefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.