Nerophis lumbriciformis (Jenyns, 1835)
Worm pipefish
Nerophis lumbriciformis
photo by Svensen, E.

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Nerophinae
Max. size:  15 cm TL (male/unsexed); 17 cm TL (female)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 30 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: southern Norway, Kattegat and British Isles to Rio de Oro in Western Sahara.
Diagnosis:  Pectoral and caudal fins absent. Anal opening below front end of the dorsal fin. With 17-19 body rings. The snout is short and bent upwards (Ref. 35388).
Biology:  Intertidal to about 30 m (Ref. 6733), among rocks or holdfasts and lower branches of algae (Ref. 4509). Spawn in the summer months. Become sexually mature at an age of 2 years. Feed on small crustaceans and fish fry (Ref. 35388). Larvae are attached to the ventral surface of the males (Ref. 42359). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). Parental care is exclusively paternal (Ref. 42359). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 July 2014 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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