---
title: Shortnose Pipefish (Micrognathus andersonii)
scientific_name: Micrognathus andersonii
common_name: Shortnose Pipefish
taxon: Pipefishes
conservation_status: LC - Least Concern
published: 2024-10-30T10:43:28.987Z
updated: 2026-08-07T21:05:03.928Z
tags: Shortnose Pipefish, Micrognathus andersonii, Pipefishes, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/pipefishes/shortnose-pipefish
---

# Shortnose Pipefish (*Micrognathus andersonii*)

## Quick facts

- **Group:** Pipefishes (*Syngnathinae*)
- **Size:** 9 cm
- **Depth:** 1-10 m
- **Conservation status:** LC - Least Concern

The Shortnose Pipefish, scientifically classified as Micrognathus andersonii, derives its name from the Greek words "mikros," meaning small, and "gnathos," meaning jaw. This species exhibits a coloration that ranges from pale to dark brown, often displaying 2-3 distinctive blotches on the sides of its trunk.

Habitat and Range: The Shortnose Pipefish is typically associated with reef environments, inhabiting depths ranging from 1 to 10 meters. The species reaches a maximum length of 8.5 centimeters. Notably, male Shortnose Pipefish are responsible for carrying eggs in a specialized brood pouch.

Geographic Distribution: This species is found within the Indo-Pacific region, extending from East Africa and the Red Sea to Samoa. Its distribution includes northern areas up to southern Japan and southern regions down to Tonga. Additionally, it is present in Belau, the eastern Caroline Islands, and the Mariana Islands in Micronesia.

## Also known as

- **English:** Anderson's Pipefish, Anderson's Short-nosed Pipefish, Shortnose Pipefish
- **Arabic:** سمك الأنبوب قصير الأنف
- **French:** Syngnathe d'Anderson
- **Italian:** Pesce ago di Anderson
- **Czech:** jehla Andersonova
- **Japanese:** カンムリヨウジ, Kammuriyoji, Kanmuri-yôji
- **Chinese:** 安氏小頜海龍, 安氏小颌海龙
- **AF:** Kortneus-pypvis
- **TAH:** tia'i pape

## Scientific synonyms

- *Corythroichthys tanakae* Jordan & Starks, 1906
- *Syngnathus andersonii* Bleeker, 1858

## Range

Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa

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*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/pipefishes/shortnose-pipefish)*
*Updated: August 7, 2026*