Habitat 
Depth 
Group 
Role WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
The broad-nosed pipefish has a very elongated slender ringed body. A deep laterally flattened snout is essential, particularly pronounced in Mediterranean forms. The small protractile mouth lies at its tip and points slightly upwards. Pectoral and dorsal fins are discreet; a fan-shaped caudal fin remains present. The tail must not be depicted as the curled grasping tail of a seahorse.
WHERE DOES IT LIVE?
Posidonia, eelgrass and Cymodocea meadows provide habitat. It lives at depths of 2–30 m on soft ground and algae-covered rocks. Some fish also lie on sediment like fallen leaves. The natural range extends beyond the Mediterranean into the Black Sea and eastern Atlantic. Brown, green and mottled phases resemble leaves differently according to condition and lighting.
WHAT DOES IT EAT?
The carnivorous diet includes copepods, amphipods and mysids, together with fish larvae. A slow progression may precede a quick mouth action. Apparent stillness followed by capture rewards patient watching.
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