Pipefish
The Seahorse’s Straight Bodied Cousin
Pipefish are considered cousins of the seahorse, being classified in the same family as both seahorses and dragonfish, Syngnathidae. These small fish have many similarities and differences when comparing the two. Like seahorses, they have a long snout and some species also have prehensile tails that allow them to grab onto seagrass and coral. Unlike seahorses, pipefish have straight bodies and can be much stronger swimmers.
They are widely distributed throughout the tropics and temperate zones of the world, being found most abundantly along coastlines in areas that are well sheltered like coral reefs and seagrass beds. If you would like to see these long, skinny, smooth-swimming fish while diving make sure you look for them closely along the ocean floor as they do not grow very big and can be hard to spot. Check out the map below for the best dive sites around the world where they have been sighted and go diving with pipefish today!
Popular dive sites
Eco Diver
389 Logged dives • 101 Sightings This shallow reef is part of the continuous fringing reef that runs along the north eastern coast of Havelock Island. It is the house reef for centers close by.India
Al Maqta
40 Logged dives • 10 Sightings Al Maqta dive site is opposite of Ras Sarkan on the north part of Habalayn Bay. It is a coral wall with some slopes and a beautiful coral garden. Depth: 10–35 meters. Good for the Macro and Night diving. REMARKS: Some current is on the tips of the site, usually coming from inside out.Oman
Flügge Strand, Fehmarn
73 Logged dives • 17 Sightings The dive site Flügge, with its 4 km long sandy natural beach, will quickly take your heart. The beach slopes gently down to the sea, to the sandbank, which extends to about 25 m parallel to the shoreline. An ideal diving spot for beginners.Germany
Newfie
179 Logged dives • 41 Sightings A beautiful nursery reef filled with life and colour! The perfect dive site for all levels with a sandy runway starting at 2m following a kelp covered rocky reef. Max depth of 10m. Newfie is well protected by the surrounding headland at low tide and can be dived in most seas.Ireland
