Biology
provided by Arkive
Very little is known about the natural ecology of this species. It is likely that the developing young are carried in some form of brood pouch, following external fertilisation (2). In other members of the genus, the eggs are almost completely enveloped by the folds of the brood pouch, which meet or nearly meet in the middle, and it is likely that this is also the case for this species (7). Pipefish lack teeth and feed by sucking small fish fry and invertebrates into their mouths (2).
Conservation
provided by Arkive
With the discovery of the remnant population of this species in 1996, the Western District Council adopted a management plan to protect this rare pipefish (3). Measures included a public awareness programme and the discouragement of powerboat riding. Unfortunately, the plan has been poorly enforced and illegal developments, along with an increase in planned developments, have proliferated in the area (3). Unless stricter measures are bought into effect quickly, it is likely that the river pipefish will become extinct once more, this time with no reprieve.
Description
provided by Arkive
This slender, cylindrical fish was believed to be extinct in the early 1990s until a miraculous rediscovery in 1995 (6), but the population remains teetering on the very brink of extinction. The long, cylindrical body is a characteristic pipefish shape (5). It is a greenish brown colour and there are dark lines visible on the head and paler lines along the body (2).
Habitat
provided by Arkive
The river pipefish is a bottom-dwelling fish that inhabits brackish waters (2), and is strongly associated with Ruppia cirrhosa beds (a submerged plant) in the upper and middle reaches of the river (6).
Range
provided by Arkive
Previously found within the Bushmans, Kariega and Kasuka River estuaries in eastern South Africa (4), this species was declared extinct in 1994 (3). An additional population was discovered the following year however, in the East Kleinemonde Estuary, on the Sunshine Coast of South Africa (6).
Status
provided by Arkive
Classified as Critically Endangered (CR - B1+2abd) on the IUCN Red List 2002 (1)
Threats
provided by Arkive
The loss of this species from the majority of its former range has been attributed to altered river systems caused by the construction of upstream dams. These developments restrict the supply of fresh water that brings with it essential nutrients required by the phytoplankton upon which the food chain depends (4). Much excitement greeted the discovery of an additional population of this pipefish in the East Kleinemonde Estuary, but these fish are under increasing threat, and not least because they are the last remaining members of the species (3). Developments along the river have led to silting problems; the creation of artificial beaches and the removal of reed beds have further threatened the delicate estuary ecosystem (3).
Diagnostic Description
provided by Fishbase
Greenish brown with close-set dark lines on head and pale lines on body (Ref. 4281).
- Recorder
- Cristina V. Garilao
Life Cycle
provided by Fishbase
Male carries the eggs in a brood pouch (Ref. 205).
Morphology
provided by Fishbase
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 28 - 32; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 3
- Recorder
- Cristina V. Garilao
Biology
provided by Fishbase
Occurs in rivers with tidal influence. Found in association with submerged aquatic macrophytes, primarily the eelgrass Zostera capensis (Ref. 26174). Sympatric with Syngnathus acus in the eelgrass beds (Ref. 26174). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205).
Importance
provided by Fishbase
aquarium: commercial
Estuarine pipefish
provided by wikipedia EN
The estuarine pipefish or river pipefish (Syngnathus watermeyeri) is a species of fish in the family Syngnathidae. It is endemic to South Africa and has been sporadically recorded in the estuarine portions of the Kariega, Kasouga, Bushmans, East Kleinemonde and West Kleinemonde rivers. It can be readily distinguished from another southern African pipefish with which it shares its habitat, S. temminckii, by its much shorter snout. The estuarine pipefish is most commonly found in beds of the eelgrass Zostera capensis.[2]
Conservation status
The estuarine pipefish was declared extinct in 1994, but was rediscovered in 2006[3] in areas where it had not been reported in over four decades. This pipefish is Critically Endangered due to both natural and human threats to the brackish estuaries and local eelgrass beds in which it lives.[1]
Captive breeding
A captive population of Syngnathus watermeyeri is held at uShaka Marine World in Durban.
Etymology
The type was a female of 110 millimetres (4.3 in) collected in the Bushmans River and sent to J.L.B. Smith by F.L.E. Watermeyer, whom Smith honoured in the newly described species' specific name.[4]
References
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Estuarine pipefish: Brief Summary
provided by wikipedia EN
The estuarine pipefish or river pipefish (Syngnathus watermeyeri) is a species of fish in the family Syngnathidae. It is endemic to South Africa and has been sporadically recorded in the estuarine portions of the Kariega, Kasouga, Bushmans, East Kleinemonde and West Kleinemonde rivers. It can be readily distinguished from another southern African pipefish with which it shares its habitat, S. temminckii, by its much shorter snout. The estuarine pipefish is most commonly found in beds of the eelgrass Zostera capensis.
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