The Broadnosed Pipefish (Syngnathus typhle) is a captivating marine fish found in Malta’s coastal waters. Belonging to the same family as seahorses, this unique species thrives in the Mediterranean Sea, adding to the rich biodiversity of Malta’s underwater world.
The Broadnosed Pipefish is easy to identify with its unique and interesting features. Here are the key characteristics to look out for:
Shape and Size: This fish is slender and elongated, usually around 15 to 20 cm long but can grow up to 25 cm. Its body has a hexagonal cross-section, which distinguishes it from other pipefish.
Head and Snout: The Broadnosed Pipefish has a head that resembles a seahorse, with a long, broad snout that is as deep as its body.
Body Color: Its body is generally greenish with darker mottling and a yellow belly, blending well with its seagrass habitat.
Fins: It has a distinctive fan-shaped caudal fin (tail fin). Unlike other fish, the Broadnosed Pipefish lacks a swim bladder, so it swims with a sinuous motion.
Bony Plates: The fish’s body is covered in small bony plates, giving it a slightly armored appearance.
These features make the Broadnosed Pipefish easy to spot for divers and marine enthusiasts exploring Malta’s underwater reefs and seagrass beds.
The Broadnosed Pipefish is slender and elongated, with a hexagonal cross-section. It has a distinctive broad snout, which is as deep as its body, setting it apart from other pipefish. The body is covered with small bony plates, and its head resembles that of a seahorse. Typically greenish with darker mottling and a yellow belly, it reaches an average length of 15 to 20 cm, with a maximum of 25 cm. A notable feature is its fan-shaped caudal fin.
Found in shallow coastal waters, usually on reefs with seagrass, the Broadnosed Pipefish can inhabit depths of up to 20 meters. It often rests vertically among seaweed fronds, feeding on plankton such as copepods, which it sucks in through its mouth. This species exhibits a sex-role reversed mating system, where females compete for access to males.
One fascinating aspect of the Broadnosed Pipefish is its unique reproductive behavior. Males have a brood pouch where females deposit clutches of about twenty eggs. After fertilization, the male carries the eggs for about four weeks until they hatch. Even post-hatching, the male continues to provide care, allowing the fry to retreat into the brood pouch if threatened.
Diving in Malta offers the chance to encounter the Broadnosed Pipefish in its natural habitat. With their vertical resting position among seaweed and seagrass, these pipefish blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Divers exploring reefs and seagrass beds, such as those at Mġarr Ix-Xini on Gozo’s south coast, can witness these intriguing creatures up close, marveling at their unique behaviors and stunning appearance.
The photo of this Broadnosed Pipefish was taken at a depth of 14 meters at Mġarr Ix-Xini on Gozo’s south coast, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Malta’s marine life.
