Fin's Fish Guide
The Pelagic pipefish (Syngnathus phlegon) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, pelagic in open water, often far from the coast.
Description
The pelagic pipefish is a slender pipefish of the family Syngnathidae reaching about 20 cm. Unlike most pipefishes, which creep over the bottom among seagrass, this species swims freely in the open water. The silvery-blue, thread-like body with bony rings has a long, tube-shaped snout with a small, upturned mouth, with which the fish sucks up small zooplankton. The species lives pelagically in the Mediterranean and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, often far from the coast. As in all pipefishes the male carries the eggs: they mature in a brood pouch on his belly until the young hatch. Because of its small size and open-water lifestyle it is rarely seen.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pelagic pipefish?
The Pelagic pipefish has a snake-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender pipefish that, unlike its bottom-dwelling relatives, swims freely in open water; silvery-blue with a long tubular snout.
Where does the Pelagic pipefish live?
The Pelagic pipefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, pelagic in open water, often far from the coast.
How big does the Pelagic pipefish get?
The Pelagic pipefish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Pelagic pipefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Pelagic pipefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pelagic pipefish edible?
The Pelagic pipefish is not usually eaten.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Pelagic pipefish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Syngnathus
More from the family Syngnathidae
Want the complete picture on the Pelagic pipefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pelagic pipefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.