Gulf Pipefish

Being slow swimmers, Gulf pipefish rely on their camouflage for protection.  They closely resemble the sea grass and eel grass amongst which they hide.  This is the only species of North American pipefish that can be found in fresh water.

The female pipefish is usually larger than the male and she may fight with other females for his attention.  The female implants her eggs in the male’s brood pouch and he carries them until they hatch.

HABITATShallow, densely vegetated near shore and estuarine waters
DIETAquatic invertebrates
LIFE Expectancy1-3 years