Microphis brachyurus
(Bleeker 1853)
Family Syngnathidae
The opossum pipefish is a member of the pipefish and seahorse family. It has a slender, snakelike body and no pelvic fins. This fish has a pipe-like and long snout. There are between 17 and 21 trunk rings, and between 20 and 26 tail rings on the body. The opossum pipefish has a long dorsal fin with between 37 and 54 rays, and vertically oriented protective plates on the belly. This is a marine species whose adults enter near-shore, densely vegetated fresh waters, including creeks and canals.
Status & distribution
- Status — Marine invader
- Florida Distribution — Gulf Coast, South Florida and Atlantic Coast