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Ocellated pipefish (Microphis ocellatus) — Syngnathidae

Ocellated pipefish

Microphis ocellatus
Family: Syngnathidae

The Ocellated pipefish (Microphis ocellatus) is a fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Diet
Carnivore
Substrate
Algae or seagrass meadow
Danger
Harmless

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Description

The Ocellated 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 Ocellated pipefish?

The Ocellated pipefish is mainly green.

Where does the Ocellated pipefish live?

The Ocellated pipefish is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds.

How big does the Ocellated pipefish get?

The Ocellated pipefish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Ocellated pipefish dangerous to humans?

No, the Ocellated 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

Ocellated pipefish (Microphis ocellatus) — Syngnathidae — 2
Tse Chung Yi (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist

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All data

Identification

English name
Ocellated pipefish sourced
Scientific name
Microphis ocellatus
Family
Syngnathidae
Other names
Sculptured pipefish; Sculpted pipefish

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
15
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Tail shape
Rounded
Mouth position
Beak-shaped sourced

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Algae or seagrass meadow 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

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 Microphis

More from the family Syngnathidae

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