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Chapman's pipefish (Dunckerocampus chapmani) — Syngnathidae

Chapman's pipefish

Dunckerocampus chapmani
Family: Syngnathidae

The Chapman's pipefish (Dunckerocampus chapmani) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–8 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: New Caledonia

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Description

The Chapman's pipefish is a pipefish (Syngnathidae) from shallow reef water of the western Pacific. The species grows to about 13 cm and has a very thin, bony-ringed body with alternating brown and pale rings and a tubular snout, and a striking paddle-shaped tail fin. Among coral and in crevices it sucks in small zooplankton and sometimes cleans larger fish. The male carries the eggs. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Chapman's pipefish?

The Chapman's pipefish has a snake-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Chapman's pipefish live?

The Chapman's pipefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: New Caledonia

How big does the Chapman's pipefish get?

The Chapman's pipefish grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Chapman's pipefish dangerous to humans?

No, the Chapman's 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.

More photos

Chapman's pipefish (Dunckerocampus chapmani) — Syngnathidae — 2
Richard Winterbottom (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Chapman's pipefish (Dunckerocampus chapmani) — Syngnathidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Pierre-Louis Stenger, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Chapman's pipefish (Dunckerocampus chapmani) — Syngnathidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Sylvain Le Bris, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Chapman's pipefish (Dunckerocampus chapmani) — Syngnathidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Pauline Fey, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Chapman's pipefish sourced
Scientific name
Dunckerocampus chapmani
Family
Syngnathidae
Other names
New Caledonian pipefish; Glowtail pipefish verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0 verified
Max depth (m)
8 verified
Natural range
Oceania: New Caledonia sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

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 Dunckerocampus

More from the family Syngnathidae

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