How to Identify Syngnathidae

Key Identification Features

• Other distinctive characteristics of this pygmy seahorse include a fleshy head and body, a very short snout, and a long prehensile tail.
• A key distinguishing feature of the lesser pipefish is a continuous black line running from the gills along the belly down to the tail, though this line is not very visible on very young specimens.
• While its appearance can vary across individuals, the species typically has a flat body, sharp hook-shaped cheek and eye spines, a narrow head, and no nose spines.
• The species has distinctive body rings; these rings are sandy brown, with darker bars between them across the body.

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