Bluestripe pipefish
📖 Overview
Uncommon, cryptic species , prefers crevices in rocks and corals and areas beneath ledges . Occurs in lagoon and seaward reefs to a depth of 45 m or more . Benthopelagic . Often seen in pairs. Uses its tubelike snout to ingest small crustaceans and plankton . Ovoviviparous . The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail . Monogamous and always in home-ranging pairs, that is they do not defend an exclusive territory .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21 - 29; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 4. Superior trunk and tail ridges discontinuous; inferior trunk ridge ending on anal ring; lateral trunk ridge continuous with inferior tail ridge; body rings 17-19; tail rings 13-17. Also Ref. 4281.: eel-like; Cross section: angular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Bluestripe pipefish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Monogamous mating is observed as both obligate and genetic . Male carries the eggs in a brood pouch .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 2 - 50 m . Tropical; 30°N - 32°S East Africa to the west coast of the Americas.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Bluestripe pipefish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 130 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Bluestripe pipefish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doryhamphus excises | - | - | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Bluestripe pipefish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 45 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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