The Javelin Pipefish, scientifically known as Lissocampus runa, is a unique and fascinating marine fish species. This slender, elongated fish, with a distinctively pointed snout, is a captivating sight in the underwater world.
Description & Characteristics
The Javelin Pipefish Lissocampus runa typically reaches a maximum size of 9.4 cm. Its body is characterized by its long, slender shape, resembling a pipe or a javelin, hence its common name. This fish exhibits a remarkable adaptation in its elongated snout, which is tipped with a small mouth, perfect for feeding on tiny prey.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Javelin Pipefish Lissocampus runa is a versatile inhabitant of various marine environments. It is commonly found in diverse habitats ranging from the intertidal zone, where the tide ebbs and flows, to the sublittoral zone, extending down to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. This fish prefers areas rich in algae, gravel, and rubble rocks, making it a frequent visitor to rocky reefs, seagrass meadows, and even tide pools. It thrives in seawater and is typically found in the neritic zone, a marine zone encompassing coastal waters and the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The Javelin Pipefish Lissocampus runa is classified within the animal kingdom, belonging to the phylum Chordata. It is further categorized as a bony fish, classified under the Class: Teleostei. This species is part of the Syngnathiformes order, commonly known as the pipefish, seahorses, and seadragons. The Javelin Pipefish belongs to the Syngnathidae family, which includes various species with elongated bodies and specialized snouts.
Feeding
The Javelin Pipefish Lissocampus runa is a carnivore, its diet consisting primarily of small crustaceans such as cyclops. Its elongated snout and small mouth are perfectly adapted for capturing these tiny prey in its habitat.
Image References