Lesser pipefish
D-Kleine Seenadel; GB-Lesser pipefish; DK-Lille tangnål, kleine zeenaald; PL-Iglicznia mała; RU-Малоносая рыба-игла; FIN-Pikkuneula; S-Mindre kantnål
Characters
1) Snout not exceeding half of length of head; diameter of snout round.
2) Small caudal fin is clearly developed.
●) Pectoral fins present; pelvic fins absent.
●) Body colouration brownish, occasionally with dark vertical stripes and silvern glimmer.
Maximum up to 17 cm length.
Similar species
Great pipefish - snout longer than half the length of head; hump on "neck" present.
Straightnose pipefish - without caudal and pectoral fins.
Deep-snouted pipefish - aterally compressed, often deep snout.
Snake pipefish - without pectoral fins; caudal fin very small hardly visible.
Biology
Often near the bottom in algae and seagrass beds, but occurs also in sandy beaches and floating plant material; in 1 to 15 m depth. Spawns in summer; the male incubates the eggs. Life expectancy 2 to 3 years.Diet
Feeds on small crustaceans and fish fry.Importance
Of no commercial importance.Syngnathus rostellatus
