bay pipefish

Description
The bay pipefish (Syngnathus leptorhynchus) is a pipefish native to the eelgrass beds of the Eastern Pacific (Southern Baja California to Gulf of Alaska), where its sinuous shape and green color allow it to blend in with the waving blades of eelgrass. They have an elongated, slim body along with weak dorsal fins and pectoral fins for locomotion. This aspect of their morphology sets them up to be poor swimmers. More specifically, they have to resort to steering using their heads to orient their direction. These pipefish also have bony plates that span the length of their ten inch, thin frame. These bony plates help them stay protected from predation and support their body structurally. Bay pipefish also have a toothless, elongated mouth that allow them to suction food into their mouth. Most of their time is spent feeding on algae during the day due to the fact they lack a stomach. Like other members of the seahorse family, male pipefish tend the eggs laid by their female partners in specialized pouches.
Biology
These pipefish display a curious approach at reproduction. Usually, these fish join together in pairs during the morning to reproduce. It is the female pipefish that...