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Smooth pipefish (Micrognathus erugatus) — Syngnathidae

Smooth pipefish

Micrognathus erugatus
Family: Syngnathidae

The Smooth pipefish (Micrognathus erugatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–1 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil

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Description

The smooth pipefish is a pipefish (Syngnathidae) from shallow reef, weed and seagrass water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a very slender, armoured, tubular body with a short, tubular snout and a small, toothless mouth. As a calm dweller it shelters among coral rubble, weed and seagrass 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 Smooth pipefish?

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

Where does the Smooth pipefish live?

The Smooth pipefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. South America: Brazil

How big does the Smooth pipefish get?

The Smooth pipefish grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Smooth pipefish dangerous to humans?

No, the Smooth 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
Smooth pipefish sourced
Scientific name
Micrognathus erugatus
Family
Syngnathidae

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
8
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)
0 verified
Max depth (m)
1 verified
Natural range
South America: Brazil 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 Micrognathus

More from the family Syngnathidae

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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smooth pipefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.

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