Greater Pipefish

Fact File: Common Name(s): Greater Pipefish. Scientific Name: Syngnathus acus Usual Size: up to 45 cms. UK Record Weights from rod/line: Shore: Boat: MAFF Minimum Size: Shore: Boat:

Identification: Breeding: takes place from May to August, the males carries the eggs and young in a brood pouch until they are about twenty-five mm long. Habitat: Below the low tide mark to about 12 m, on sheltered coastline. It prefers sandy and muddy substrates. Food: Small invertebrates, mostly crustaceans. Range: Found from the Mediterranean to South West Britain. Additional Notes: Similar to the Lesser Pipefish but is larger and has a crest above the head. The head has a long, thin, round snout with a small upturned mouth, the eyes are small and situated well back towards the gill covers. There is a crest above the head. The body is long and thin and covered with bony plates. Its colour is brown/green above fading to cream below. The dorsal fin is situated half way along the body, and pelvics are situated below this. The caudal fin is fan-shaped, and small pectorals are situated behind the gills. No anal fin is present.

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