Description: A small, rounded, pipefish, reaching a maximum length of 17 cm, but more commonly around 12 cm. It has a small head with a short, upturned snout which is a good identification feature. They can be variable in colouration, although they are usually a dark green to brown colour, occasionally dark red, and may have some pale patches.

Habitat: Most frequently recorded on rocky shores either in rockpools or very shallow depths, however they are also occasionally encountered by divers in up to 20 m. Prefers a rocky habitat.

Distribution: Recorded all around Britain and Ireland where there is suitable habitat. Not as frequent on east coast of Britain, due to there being less suitable habitat available.

Similar Species: Could potentially be confused with other species of pipefish, however the small size, habitat preference, and short, upturned snout should make this species easy to distinguish.

Key Identification Features:

• A small pipefish (reaching 17 cm max, often much smaller).
• Short, upturned snout.
• Variable colouration usually a dark brown to green, occasionally dark red, sometimes with paler patches.

Distribution Map from NBN: Nerophis lumbriciformis at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Nerophis lumbriciformis at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Nerophis lumbriciformis

WoRMS: Nerophis lumbriciformis at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Nerophis lumbriciformis (Jenyns, 1835). AphiaID: 127383.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Chordata; Vertebrata; Gnathostomata; Osteichthyes; Actinopterygii; Actinopteri; Teleostei; Syngnathiformes; Syngnathidae; Nerophinae; Nerophis