PipefishesSyngnathinae

Pipefishes (Syngnathinae) are bony fishes with slender, elongated bodies, encased in a series of rigid bony rings rather than scales. They possess a distinctive fused, tubular snout and small, often inconspicuous fins. Their cryptic colouration, typically mottled greens, browns, and greys, enables them to blend with their surroundings. Members measure 10 to 40 cm (4-16 in) in length.

These slow-moving fishes inhabit shallow coral reefs, seagrass beds, and rubble flats, found from the surface to depths of 30 metres (100 ft). They often remain motionless or sway gently with currents, enhancing their camouflage among seagrass blades or branching corals. Pipefishes feed on small invertebrates and zooplankton, using their tubular snout to suck prey. Males exhibit paternal care, carrying the eggs in a brood pouch or attached to the underside of their body until hatching.