According to present knowledge, some 14 pipefish species are recognized in Europe, Mediterranean and Black Sea. We are presenting here the four species of Entelurus and Nerophis known along the European and Mediterranean coasts.
NB To download our pipefish identification guide (PDF in French), click here.
How to recognize Entelurus and Nerophis ?
Entelurus pipefish have a very small caudal fin, almost invisible. Nerophis do not have any caudal fin : their tail is threadlike. ...
The males of both species carry their eggs stuck below their abdomen, without the protection of a pouch.
ID criteria: • A slightly concave forehead from snout to nape. • Smooth body ; reduced caudal fin • Light vertical stripes with dark oulines. • A fine dark line from gill to snout, across eye.
To consult our photo database on the snake pipefish, click here.
Straightnose pipefish
Nerophis ophidion
Size: 22-25 cm (max. 30 cm). European, Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts.
ID criteria: • Threadlike body; no caudal fin. • Short snout in line with head profile. • Can use its prehensile tail to hook on seagrass. • This animal is very hard to spot.
To consult our photo database on the straightnose pipefish, click here.
Worm pipefish
Nerophis lumbriciformis
Size: 12-15 cm (max. 17 cm). Western Europe ; a few records on French Mediterranean coasts.
ID criteria: • Thick short snout, pointing upwards. • Smooth body ; no caudal fin. • One or several white dots under the adult’s eye. • Generally hidden under rocks or vegetation.
To consult our photo database on the worm pipefish, click here.
Spotted worm pipefish
Nerophis maculatus
Size: 20-25 cm (max. 30 cm). Mediterranean coasts ; recorded in Southern Portugal.
