Fin's Fish Guide
The Opossum pipefish (Microphis lineatus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 19 cm.
Description
The opossum pipefish is a pipefish (Syngnathidae) from the western Atlantic Ocean. The species has an elongate body armoured with bony rings, a tube-shaped snout and fine lengthwise lines. It lives in fresh and brackish coastal waters and estuaries and enters rivers; larvae and juveniles are also found at sea among floating Sargassum weed. With its snout it sucks up small zooplankton. The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Opossum pipefish?
The Opossum pipefish has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Estuarine-freshwater pipefish; the male broods the eggs in a brood pouch, juveniles among sargassum weed.
Where does the Opossum pipefish live?
The Opossum pipefish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Western Atlantic; fresh and brackish coastal waters and estuaries.
How big does the Opossum pipefish get?
The Opossum pipefish grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.
Is the Opossum pipefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Opossum pipefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Opossum pipefish edible?
The Opossum 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 Microphis
More from the family Syngnathidae
Want the complete picture on the Opossum pipefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Opossum pipefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.