Fin's Fish Guide
The Northern pipefish (Syngnathus fuscus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 33 cm.
Northwest Atlantic along the east coast of North America, in seagrass beds, estuaries and shallow coastal water; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The northern pipefish is a thin, stiff pipefish of the family Syngnathidae reaching about 38 cm. The elongate body is encased in bony rings instead of scales and ends in a tube-shaped snout with which the fish sucks in small zooplankton and shrimp-like crustaceans; the brown-green colour gives camouflage among seagrass. The species lives in seagrass beds, estuaries and shallow coastal water along the east coast of North America and tolerates brackish water. As in seahorses the male broods the eggs in a pouch on its belly and 'gives birth' to live young. Because of its small size it has no fishery value, but it is a link in the seagrass food web.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Northern pipefish?
The Northern pipefish has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Slender, stiff small pipefish with a tubular snout and a body in bony rings; the male carries the eggs to term in a pouch.
Where does the Northern pipefish live?
The Northern pipefish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Northwest Atlantic along the east coast of North America, in seagrass beds, estuaries and shallow coastal water; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Northern pipefish get?
The Northern pipefish grows to a maximum of about 33 cm. On average the species is around 17 cm.
Is the Northern pipefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Northern pipefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Northern pipefish edible?
The Northern pipefish is not usually eaten.
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Same genus Syngnathus
More from the family Syngnathidae
Want the complete picture on the Northern pipefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Northern pipefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.