| Family: |
Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Nerophinae |
| Max. size: |
40 cm TL (male/unsexed); 60 cm TL (female) |
| Environment: |
demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 5 - 100 m |
| Distribution: |
Eastern Atlantic: Iceland and Norway to Azores and also enters Baltic Sea. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0. Gill opening reduced to a pore located in the membrane above the opercle. Gill membranes fused to the body and isthmus. Superior trunk and tail ridges continuous, inferior trunk and tail ridges discontinuous, lateral trunk ridge confluent with inferior tail ridge. Brood area of male located under trunk. Rings: 28-31+60-69; Dorsal 37-47; Sub-dorsal 11-7+2-4; Caudal 4-9, rudimentary. |
| Biology: |
Adults inhabit inshore waters, among algae. Females with 1,000 or more ovarian eggs (Ref. 6733). Feed on small crustaceans and fish fry (Ref. 35388). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 July 2013 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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