Male Worm Pipefish with eggs beneath the body
The male above is carrying up to 150 eggs which have been deposited by the female. Afterwards he fertilises them and they remain there, developing for several weeks before entering the plankton. The fish is easily overlooked as it moves very slowly amongst seaweed in rockpools and under rocks in the lower shore of rocky coasts. Even when held in the hand it does not overly struggle. Around 15 cm in length it feeds on small invertebrates and small, young fish.
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