The Pipehorse – Amphelikturus dendriticus is a fascinating and elusive fish species belonging to the Syngnathidae family, commonly known as pipefishes and seahorses. This species is distinguished by its elongated, slender body and unique adaptations for life in marine environments.
Description & Characteristics
The Amphelikturus dendriticus is a small fish, reaching a maximum size of 7.5 cm. Its body is characterized by its tubular shape, with a long snout and a small mouth. The pipehorse’s body is covered in bony plates, providing it with structural support and protection. Unlike most fish, its dorsal fin is located towards the rear of its body, which allows for greater maneuverability.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Amphelikturus dendriticus typically inhabits a wide range of marine zones, including subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. It is considered a neritic species, meaning it is found in the coastal waters over the continental shelf. This makes it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems, thriving in a variety of depths and environments.
Taxonomy
The species Amphelikturus dendriticus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Syngnathiformes, and Family: Syngnathidae. This classification places it within a diverse group of fishes characterized by their elongated bodies, bony plates, and specialized feeding adaptations.
Feeding
The Amphelikturus dendriticus is a carnivorous fish that feeds primarily on small invertebrates like Brine Shrimp Nauplii, Brine Shrimps, Copepods, Cyclops, Daphnia salina, Mysis, and Zooplankton. It uses its long snout to suction up its prey, demonstrating a unique feeding strategy that is characteristic of pipefishes.
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