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Hardwick's pipehorse (Solegnathus hardwickii) — Syngnathidae

Hardwick's pipehorse

Solegnathus hardwickii
Family: Syngnathidae

The Hardwick's pipehorse (Solegnathus hardwickii) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
40 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Mauritius, New Caledonia and others

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Description

Hardwick's pipehorse is a pipehorse (Syngnathidae) from deeper reef, weed and seagrass water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a long, slender, strongly armoured body that grades from a pipefish-like form to a prehensile tail like a seahorse, with a tubular snout. As a slow dweller it holds onto weed and coral with its tail and sucks up minute crustaceans. The male carries the eggs. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Hardwick's pipehorse?

The Hardwick's pipehorse has a snake-like body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Hardwick's pipehorse live?

The Hardwick's pipehorse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Mauritius, New Caledonia and others

How big does the Hardwick's pipehorse get?

The Hardwick's pipehorse grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.

Is the Hardwick's pipehorse dangerous to humans?

No, the Hardwick's 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Hardwick's pipehorse sourced
Scientific name
Solegnathus hardwickii
Family
Syngnathidae
Other names
Hardwicke's pipefish; Hardwick's pipehorse; Pallid pipefish; Pallid pipehorse; Pipehorse; Bared-tail seahorse verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
40 verified
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Rounded
Mouth position
Beak-shaped

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Mauritius, New Caledonia and others 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
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures.
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 Solegnathus

More from the family Syngnathidae

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