Information on the Zebra Pipefish

Zebra pipefish, or glittering pipefish as they are sometimes called, are closely related to seahorses and look similar. Instead of a curved body, however, the pipefish has a straight, narrow body. They are members of the family syngathidae (like seahorses) and are classified as fish. All species of pipefish have natural camouflage and because of this, are not often seen by humans.

  1. Habitat

    • Zebra pipefish are native to the waters of the western Pacific Ocean, including Fiji.

      Zebra pipefish are native to the western Pacific ocean including the waters around Vietnam, Fiji and Micronesia. Zebra pipefish are found within coral reefs, lagoons or areas with dense underwater vegetation such as beds of sea grass. Wherever they are located, they tend to stay still in the water among vegetation or coral to avoid detection.

    Appearance

    • Like its name suggests, the zebra pipefish has a long, cylindrical body with a horizontal stripe pattern. Zebra pipefish are generally small, only measuring about 3 inches in length. Though they are classified as fish, pipefishes do not have scales. They do have small dorsal and pectoral fins like many other species of fish.

    Diet

    • Zebra pipefish filter small animals from the water including baby shrimp.

      Zebra pipefish utilize their long, cylindrical snouts to suck in water and filter out food such as small shrimps, brine, insect larvae and baby guppies.

    Habits

    • Zebra pipefish often hide within coral reefs to avoid detection.

      In addition to their natural camouflage, zebra pipefish are rarely seen because they often lie still among seaweed and other underwater vegetation. They are most active at night, usually hiding during the day to avoid predators. Zebra pipefish generally swim upside down as they scavenge for food.

    Reproduction

    • It is the male pipefish that carries the eggs on the underside of his tail. Much like seahorses, female zebra pipefish lay their eggs on the male's skin. The male then fertilizes the eggs and keeps them on his body until they hatch.