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Robust pipehorse (Solegnathus robustus) — Syngnathidae

Robust pipehorse

Solegnathus robustus
Family: Syngnathidae

The Robust pipehorse (Solegnathus robustus) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
35 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
42.0–68.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The robust pipehorse is a pipefish relative (Syngnathidae) from coastal waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, angular body armoured with bony rings, a tubular snout and a prehensile tail, intermediate between a pipefish and a seahorse. It lives among sponges, corals and weed on deeper bottoms and sucks in small zooplankton. The male carries the eggs under its tail. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Robust pipehorse?

The Robust pipehorse has a snake-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Robust pipehorse live?

The Robust pipehorse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Robust pipehorse get?

The Robust pipehorse grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.

Is the Robust pipehorse dangerous to humans?

No, the Robust pipehorse 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.

More photos

Robust pipehorse (Solegnathus robustus) — Syngnathidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) graciejhvaughan, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Robust pipehorse (Solegnathus robustus) — Syngnathidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Edgar Ravenswood Waite (Public domain)
Robust pipehorse (Solegnathus robustus) — Syngnathidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Anthony Rowland, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Robust pipehorse sourced
Scientific name
Solegnathus robustus
Family
Syngnathidae
Other names
Robust Pipehorse; Robust spiny pipehorse verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
35.0 verified
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Beak-shaped sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
42.0 verified
Max depth (m)
68.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Solegnathus

More from the family Syngnathidae

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