Penetopteryx nanus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Worm pipefish | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Syngnathiformes |
| Family: | Syngnathidae |
| Genus: | Penetopteryx |
| Species: | P. nanus |
| Binomial name | |
| Penetopteryx nanus Rosén 1911[1] | |
Penetopteryx nanus, also known as the worm pipefish, is a species of marine fish belonging to the family Syngnathidae.[1] The species can be found in shallow water coral rubble and macroalgae habitats in the Western Atlantic from Providencia Island, Colombia, to the Bahamas and Belize.[2][3] Reproduction occurs through ovoviviparity in which the males brood eggs before giving live birth. Penetopteryx nanus are typically 3-6 millimeters when born and can reach up to recorded lengths of 3.17 centimeters in adulthood.[2] In their larval state, Penetopteryx nanus have well-developed fins, but these are lost in adulthood.