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Offshore pipefish (Bryx veleronis) — Syngnathidae

Offshore pipefish

Bryx veleronis
Family: Syngnathidae

The Offshore pipefish (Bryx veleronis) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
27–37 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Costa Rica, Galapagos Is., Panama, Revillagigedo A.

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Description

The offshore pipefish is a pipefish (Syngnathidae) from shallow reef, weed and seagrass water of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a very slender, armoured, tubular body with a long, tubular snout and a small, toothless mouth. As a calm dweller it shelters among weed, seagrass and coral rubble and sucks up minute crustaceans. As in all pipefishes the male carries the eggs until they hatch. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Offshore pipefish?

The Offshore pipefish has a snake-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Offshore pipefish live?

The Offshore pipefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. North America: Costa Rica, Galapagos Is., Panama, Revillagigedo A.

How big does the Offshore pipefish get?

The Offshore pipefish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Offshore pipefish dangerous to humans?

No, the Offshore 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Offshore pipefish sourced
Scientific name
Bryx veleronis
Family
Syngnathidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
27 verified
Max depth (m)
37 verified
Natural range
North America: Costa Rica, Galapagos Is., Panama, Revillagigedo A. 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 Bryx

More from the family Syngnathidae

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