Description: A small, relatively thin pipefish that any reaches up to 17 cm in length. It has a short, straight snout and the head has a straight profile when compared with Syngnathus acus, with no obvious hump. The colouration is commonly a plain green or light brown with some lighter rings round the body. The tail fin is well-developed and the body is obviously segmented.

Habitat: Amongst seaweeds on sandy sea beds in coastal or estuarine environments, from 10 – 20 m.

Distribution: Recorded all around Britain and Ireland where there is suitable habitat, although not a common species. Seemingly absent from NE coasts of Britain.

Similar Species: Could be confused with some of the other pipefish but the small size, coupled with a straight snout and straight head profile should distinguish this species. Most likely to be confused with a juvenile Syngnathus acus but close inspection of the head profile and snout length should help.

Key Identification Features:

• A small, thin pipefish, reaching a maximum of 17 cm.
• Short, straight snout.
• Straight head profile, with no obvious hump.
• Plain green to light brown with some light banding.

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

iNaturalist: Syngnathus rostellatus at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Syngnathus rostellatus

WoRMS: Syngnathus rostellatus at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Syngnathus rostellatus Nilsson, 1855. AphiaID: 127389.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Chordata; Vertebrata; Gnathostomata; Osteichthyes; Actinopterygii; Actinopteri; Teleostei; Syngnathiformes; Syngnathidae; Syngnathinae; Syngnathus