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Ocellated pipefish (Microphis ocellatus) — Syngnathidae

Ocellated pipefish

Microphis ocellatus
Family: Syngnathidae

The Ocellated pipefish (Microphis ocellatus) is a fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Diet
Carnivore
Substrate
Algae or seagrass meadow
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Ocellated pipefish is a freshwater pipefish (Syngnathidae) from lower river reaches, estuaries and seagrass beds of lower river reaches in the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a very thin, bony-ringed, brown-greenish body and a tubular snout. Strongly camouflaged, it hovers among water plants, roots and weed and sucks in small zooplankton and larvae. The male carries the eggs. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ocellated pipefish?

The Ocellated pipefish is mainly green.

Where does the Ocellated pipefish live?

The Ocellated pipefish is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds.

How big does the Ocellated pipefish get?

The Ocellated pipefish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Ocellated pipefish dangerous to humans?

No, the Ocellated pipefish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Oogvlek-zoetwater-zeenaald sourced
English name
Ocellated pipefish sourced
Scientific name
Microphis ocellatus
Family
Syngnathidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
15 inferred
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Beak-shaped sourced

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Algae or seagrass meadow sourced
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

Same genus Microphis

More from the family Syngnathidae

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