Distribution: The great pipefish is distributed as far north as Trøndelag. It is usually found between seaweed from the intertidal zone and down to 20 meters, but has been reported as deep as 90 meters. It is also common on sandy or muddy substrate in the mouths of estuaries.

Characteristics: The slender body can reach a length of 50 cm and this makes it the largest of our pipefishes. The color varies from light green to dark brown. The long cylindrical snout constitutes more than half of the head's length. A cross section of the body is shaped like a hexagon, rather than an oval. The tiny tail and ventral fins contribute to its poor swimming capabilities.

All pictures:

Phylum: Chordata

Superclass: Gnathostomata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Syngnathiformes

Family: Syngnathidae

Scientific name: Syngnathus acus

 

Norwegian: stor kantnål

(Børsabergan - The Trondheim fjord / 5 meters / 11.30.2003)