Longspine Snipefish

Macroramphosus scolopax

Size: Up to 20 cm.
Lifespan: Unknown.
Food: Bottom-living invertebrates, zooplankton.

Long nose

The longspine snipefish belongs to the snipefish, or bellowfish, genus, and are related to seahorses. The snipefish has a characteristically long nose with a small mouth at the end. Snipefish do not have any teeth; instead, they eat by quickly sucking in prey that float by. On its back, the longspine snipefish has a very long, collapsible spine on its first dorsal fin. 

With its tiny mouth, the Longspine Snipefish is able to quickly suck prey into its mouth.
Photo: Dmitriy-Konstantinov-CC-BY-SA

Adults in deep water

Snipefish live close to sandy bottoms in deep water. The species can go down to depths of 600 metres, and they live in large schools. Young fish, on the other hand, live in the open sea. The snipefish swims in a peculiar manner; somewhat jerky, with downward-facing head. When they swim in groups, it almost looks like they are dancing! The male longspine snipefish fertilises the female’s eggs in open water and the fry are left to fend for themselves. 

Longspine Snipefish lives together in schools.
Photo: Izuzuki-CC-BY

Distribution worldwide

Tempered and subtropical seas, in the eastern and western Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean.

Threat based on the Red List

Trade regulations

CITES: Not listed.