Fin's Fish Guide
The Snake pipefish (Entelurus aequoreus) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea, among seaweeds and seagrass and in open water; sometimes found far out at sea.
Description
The snake pipefish is a very long, thin pipefish of the family Syngnathidae reaching about 40 cm, its smooth, almost round body strongly resembling a thin string or a snake. The body rings are barely visible and, apart from a small dorsal fin, the fins are virtually absent; the colour is yellow-brown with pale rings and a tubular snout. The species lives among weeds and seagrass and in open water of the north-eastern Atlantic and the North Sea, and is sometimes found far offshore. With its snout it sucks up small zooplankton and crustaceans. Unlike most pipefishes the male does not carry the eggs in a closed pouch but glued in a groove on the belly.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Snake pipefish?
The Snake pipefish has a snake-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Very long, thin and smooth pipefish with barely visible body rings and almost no fins apart from a small dorsal fin; yellow-brown with pale rings.
Where does the Snake pipefish live?
The Snake pipefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea, among seaweeds and seagrass and in open water; sometimes found far out at sea.
How big does the Snake pipefish get?
The Snake pipefish grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 32 cm.
Is the Snake pipefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Snake pipefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Snake pipefish edible?
The Snake pipefish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Snake pipefish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Syngnathidae
Want the complete picture on the Snake pipefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Snake pipefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.