Fin's Fish Guide
The Opossum Pipefish (Microphis brachyurus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 22 cm.
Description
Microphis brachyurus is a pipefish of the family Syngnathidae inhabiting fresh and brackish water in coastal areas. The species has a very slender, snake-like body with armoured skin and a long, tubular snout, and reaches about 22 cm. It lives in shallow, still to slow-flowing water; juveniles stay in estuaries and adults move upstream into fresh water. The diet consists of worms, small crustaceans and zooplankton, sucked in with the tube snout. Like other pipefishes the male carries the eggs in a brood pouch under the tail, from which young fish are born.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Opossum Pipefish?
The Opossum Pipefish has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Long tubular sucking snout; the male carries the eggs in a brood pouch under the tail.
Where does the Opossum Pipefish live?
The Opossum Pipefish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh and brackish coastal water of tropical regions.
How big does the Opossum Pipefish get?
The Opossum Pipefish grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.
Is the Opossum Pipefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Opossum Pipefish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
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.