The Greater Pipefish, Syngnathus acus, is a slender, elongated fish that belongs to the family Syngnathidae, which includes the seahorses and pipefishes.
Description & Characteristics
The Greater Pipefish is a relatively large member of its family, with a maximum recorded size of 50.0 cm. Its body is long and thin, with a snout that is distinctly elongated and slightly upturned. The dorsal fin is small and located towards the rear of the body, while the pectoral fins are located just behind the gills. The Greater Pipefish lacks pelvic fins and has a small anal fin. Its color can vary depending on the environment, but it is typically a pale brown or green, with dark spots and stripes. The species is easily recognizable by its long, thin body, its long snout, and its lack of pelvic fins.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Greater Pipefish is a demersal species, meaning it lives near the bottom of the ocean floor. They are commonly found in shallow coastal waters as well as deeper environments, with a depth range extending from the surface down to 110.0 meters. These fish prefer habitats with abundant vegetation, often found in seagrass meadows, rocky reefs, and kelp forests. The Greater Pipefish is a relatively common species, found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean from Norway to South Africa, including the Mediterranean Sea. Its distribution extends into the western Atlantic, where it can be found off the coast of North America from Nova Scotia to Florida.
Taxonomy
The species Syngnathus acus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Syngnathiformes, and Family: Syngnathidae. Teleostei is a diverse group of ray-finned fishes that includes most of the familiar fish species. The order Syngnathiformes, which includes the seahorses and pipefishes, is characterized by their elongated bodies, their lack of pelvic fins, and their bony, armored plates. The family Syngnathidae is further distinguished by the presence of a brood pouch in the males, where they incubate the eggs.
Feeding
The Greater Pipefish is a carnivore, primarily feeding on small crustaceans, such as copepods and mysids. They use their long snouts to suction up their prey, which they then swallow whole. The Greater Pipefish is an opportunistic feeder and will consume a variety of prey items that are available in its environment.
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