Banded Pipefish

The Banded Pipefish has a long, slender body that is yellow, orange, brown, or black with bands encircling it. The body color is highly variable and may show pale bars, irregular patterns, or alternating bands of light and dark. Its body is snake-like, and its snout is short. One or more spines may be visible on its head. Juveniles are smaller but have a similar appearance.

This Pipefish is shy and solitary, living among coral rubble, sandy bottoms, and seagrass beds, where its coloring helps it blend in with its surroundings. It feeds on small crustaceans and other tiny invertebrates, which it sucks in through its tube-like snout. Like other Pipefishes, the male is responsible for carrying and nurturing the eggs.