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Bloodspot pipefish (Microphis cruentus) — Syngnathidae

Bloodspot pipefish

Microphis cruentus
Family: Syngnathidae

The Bloodspot pipefish (Microphis cruentus) is a freshwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
15.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–5.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Algae or seagrass meadow
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Bloodspot pipefish is a freshwater pipefish (Syngnathidae) from lower river reaches, estuaries and seagrass beds of lower river reaches in the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a very thin, bony-ringed, brown-greenish body and a tubular snout. Strongly camouflaged, it hovers among water plants, roots and weed and sucks in small zooplankton and larvae. The male carries the eggs. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bloodspot pipefish?

The Bloodspot pipefish has a snake-like body and is mainly green.

Where does the Bloodspot pipefish live?

The Bloodspot pipefish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds.

How big does the Bloodspot pipefish get?

The Bloodspot pipefish grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Bloodspot pipefish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bloodspot pipefish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bloedvlek-zoetwater-zeenaald sourced
English name
Bloodspot pipefish sourced
Scientific name
Microphis cruentus
Family
Syngnathidae
Other names
Dumbéa river pipefish sourced

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Algae or seagrass meadow sourced
Max depth (m)
5.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
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 Microphis

More from the family Syngnathidae

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