Description
The deep-snouted pipefish has a long body that is covered with indistinct bony plates and narrows towards the tail. The nose is straight and crested. The mouth is almost vertical with a well-developed lower jaw. The dorsal fin begins halfway along the body and extends for between 7 and 9 rings and the small pectorals are situated behind the gills. Caudal, pelvic and anal fins are absent. Colour vary from yellow ochre/brown to a greenish grey with whitish and almost black markings. The abdomen is light in colour and the nose has vertical streaks and dark brown to black markings.

Biology
The male has a brood pouch and is therefore easily recognizable. Eggs and embryos are transported in this pouch from March to July and take about four weeks to hatch. Pipefish feed on small crustaceans and other tiny invertebrates and are usually camouflage themselves amidst meadows of Posidonia oceanica and Zostera marina.