Syngnathidae

lesser pipefish

Syngnathus rostellatus

Barred markings on side

• Temperate
• Northern Hemisphere
• Regional distribution
• Atlantic Ocean
• Europe
• Anguilliform
• Medium
• Temperate fish

The lesser pipefish or Nilsson's pipefish (Syngnathus rostellatus) is a pipefish similar to the greater pipefish, but with no crest above the head. Usually it reaches up to 17 centimetres (6.7 in) in length, maximally 18 centimetres (7.1 in), although in South Wales they are usually not more than 10 to 13 centimetres (3.9 to 5.1 in) long. They have a light to dark green-brown color with bar-like markings on the sides (similar to the greater pipefish).