The Black-striped Pipefish, scientifically known as Syngnathus abaster, is a fascinating species of fish belonging to the Syngnathidae family. Its slender, elongated body and characteristic black stripes make it easily recognizable in its natural habitat.
Description & Characteristics
The Black-striped Pipefish, Syngnathus abaster, is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 22.1 cm. Its body is long and slender, resembling a pipe, hence the name “pipefish.” It has a distinct snout, which is long and pointed, and a small mouth. The most prominent feature of the Syngnathus abaster is its black stripes, which run vertically along its body. These stripes give the fish its common name and are a distinctive characteristic that helps distinguish it from other pipefish species.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Black-striped Pipefish, Syngnathus abaster, exhibits a remarkable adaptability, thriving in a variety of habitats. It is commonly found in both brackish and freshwater environments, with a depth range of 0.0 – 5.0 meters. Notably, Syngnathus abaster is primarily found in the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones, which encompass the regions extending from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. These marine zones, collectively referred to as the neritic zone, are characterized by their proximity to the shoreline and their relatively shallow depths. Therefore, the Syngnathus abaster can be considered a resident of the neritic zone, where it plays a significant role in the marine ecosystem.
Taxonomy
The species Syngnathus abaster belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Syngnathiformes, and Family: Syngnathidae. This classification places it within the group of ray-finned fishes, specifically the Syngnathiformes order, which encompasses pipefishes, seahorses, and their relatives. The Syngnathidae family is characterized by its members’ unique body shape and the presence of a bony, fused head and neck.
Feeding
The Black-striped Pipefish, Syngnathus abaster, is a carnivorous fish, primarily feeding on small invertebrates found in its aquatic environment. Its diet includes various types of zooplankton such as brine shrimps, copepods, cyclops, and Daphnia salina. It also consumes zoobenthos, which are invertebrates living on the bottom of the seafloor. This diverse feeding habit highlights the Syngnathus abaster‘s role as an important predator in its ecosystem, helping to regulate the population of smaller invertebrates.
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