Fin's Fish Guide
The Mother-of-pearl pipefish (Vanacampus margaritifer) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 16 cm.
Description
The mother-of-pearl pipefish is a pipefish (Syngnathidae) from the waters around southern Australia. The species has a very elongate, slender body armoured with bony rings, a tube-shaped snout and a mother-of-pearl sheen. It lives over sand, rubble and vegetated bottoms and is sometimes taken from floating Sargassum weed. With its snout it sucks up small crustaceans and other zooplankton. The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mother-of-pearl pipefish?
The Mother-of-pearl pipefish has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Armoured pipefish with a pearly sheen; the male broods the eggs in a brood pouch.
Where does the Mother-of-pearl pipefish live?
The Mother-of-pearl pipefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southern Australia; sand, rubble and vegetated bottoms.
How big does the Mother-of-pearl pipefish get?
The Mother-of-pearl pipefish grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.
Is the Mother-of-pearl pipefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Mother-of-pearl pipefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mother-of-pearl pipefish edible?
The Mother-of-pearl 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 Vanacampus
More from the family Syngnathidae
Want the complete picture on the Mother-of-pearl pipefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mother-of-pearl pipefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.