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Duncker's pipehorse (Solegnathus dunckeri) — Syngnathidae

Duncker's pipehorse

Solegnathus dunckeri
Family: Syngnathidae

The Duncker's pipehorse (Solegnathus dunckeri) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

Duncker's pipehorse is a pipefish relative (Syngnathidae) from coastal waters of eastern 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, soft 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 Duncker's pipehorse?

The Duncker's pipehorse has a snake-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Duncker's pipehorse live?

The Duncker's pipehorse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Duncker's pipehorse get?

The Duncker's pipehorse grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Duncker's pipehorse dangerous to humans?

No, the Duncker's pipehorse is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Dunckers zeepaardvis sourced
English name
Duncker's pipehorse sourced
Scientific name
Solegnathus dunckeri
Family
Syngnathidae
Other names
Duncker's pipehorse; Dunker's pipehorse; Red-and-gold pipehorse; Spiny sea dragon verified

Appearance

Max length (cm)
30 sourced
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
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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