Come identificare Greater Pipefish

Per identificare Greater Pipefish (Syngnathus acus), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

eel-like

Colorazione

Highly variable, ranging from green, brown, yellow, to reddish, often mottled or banded to match their surroundings (e.g., seagrass, algae, sand). This cryptic coloration provides excellent camouflage.

Tipo di squame

none

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Extremely elongated, slender body, almost stick-like., Small, tubular mouth at the end of a long snout., Absence of pelvic fins., Small, fan-like caudal fin., Body covered in bony rings rather than scales.

Pinna dorsale

Single, relatively short dorsal fin located towards the posterior half of the body, typically with 35-46 soft rays.

Pinna caudale

Small, fan-shaped caudal fin, often rounded, with 10-11 rays.

Pinna pettorale

Small, rounded pectoral fins, typically with 16-20 rays.

Pinne distintive

No pelvic fins. Anal fin is very small, with 3-4 rays.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for an exceptionally long, thin, and rigid body, resembling a straight stick. Length can reach up to 50 cm, though typically 30-35 cm.

2. 2

   Snout

   Observe the long, tubular snout with a small, upward-pointing mouth at the tip.

3. 3

   Fins

   Note the absence of pelvic fins, the small dorsal fin, and the tiny, fan-like caudal fin. The pectoral fins are also small.

4. 4

   Coloration

   Its cryptic coloration, often mottled browns, greens, or yellows, helps it blend with seagrass or algae. Look for patterns that mimic its surroundings.

5. 5

   Bony Rings

   The body is encased in a series of bony rings, which are visible upon close inspection, rather than traditional scales.

Esplora Greater Pipefish