Wildlife of The Solway Firth [84] The Worm Pipefish

Wildlife of The Solway Firth [84]

The Worm Pipefish

Nerophis lumbriciformis

by Mark Vollers

This diminutive pipefish is found in coastal waters all around the UK wherever there is rocky ground with seaweed cover, including parts of the Solway Firth so we often have them on display at The Lake District Coast Aquarium, Maryport.

Finding them, even when you know they are present takes patience and a keen eye as they can change colour to suit their surroundings and spend most of their time coiled around seaweed stems or hiding under stones.

The easiest way to distinguish them from the young of other pipefish are their distinctly up turned snout and distinct rings around their body.

As with all pipefish, slow movement is generated by rapid vibration of their dorsal fin, faster progress by a snake like motion.

Maximum size of 15cm is reached with maturity at 2 years old, with male fish taking on the fatherhood role very seriously! However, the female takes the lead in courtship, colouring up more intensely than the male. She then gives him her eggs by depositing them firmly in a groove along his belly where they are clearly visible to the naked eye as they develop.

On hatching they are tiny and thread like and thereafter have to fend for themselves. Their mouths are small and tube-like which restricts their diet to planktonic creatures like larval fish and small crustaceans.

Visit the Lake District Coast Aquarium Facebook page to learn more about amazing wildlife on the Solway Coast. www.facebook.com/maryport.aquarium

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