Wildlife of The Solway Firth #83: The Broad Nosed Pipefish
Wildlife of The Solway Firth #83:
The Broad Nosed Pipefish (Syngnathus typhle)
by Mark Vollers
There are several species of pipefish native to Britain, this one is less commonly found but is widespread from Scandinavia down to the Mediterranean in sheltered estuaries, particularly if there are beds of Sea Grass present as are found on the Scottish side of The Solway Firth.
They can grow up to 30cm long and have a wide temperature tolerance of between 8 and 24 degrees Centigrade. Like all pipefishes and their close relations the Seahorses their mouth parts are fused to form a tube like structure which is perfect for catching and sucking in their food which consists mainly of small creatures like fish larvae and crustaceans.
They are not great swimmers, in fact as you observe them in the aquarium they appear to be almost levitating about the place, this motion being achieved by rapid vibration of its tiny dorsal and pectoral fins. So rather than chase after prey they feed by stationing themselves in seaweed fronds, anchoring themselves by winding their prehensile tails around the stems and snatch their food as it swims or drifts past.
The male Pipefish has a pouch under his tail for accommodating the eggs given to him by the female in early Summer. He then dutifully cares for until they hatch and have to take their chances as the currents distribute them far and wide.
Visit the Lake District Coast Aquarium facebook page to learn more about amazing wildlife on the Solway Coast.
www.facebook.com/maryport.aquarium
To learn more about what’s happening follow Cumbria Guide on our social media
Share It:
