Opossum Pipefish (Microphis brachyurus lineatus)
Key Information
The opossum pipefish was identified as a Candidate Species in 1991 (56 FR 26797) and transferred to the Species of Concern list on April 15, 2004 (69 FR 19975).
Brief Species Description
The opossum pipefish are a widespread species that spawn in low salinity areas of estuaries. This subspecies is known to range from New Jersey south through the Gulf of Mexico and Baribbean to Sao Paulo, Brazil. It also occurs on the Pacific Coast of Panama, having passed through the Panama Canal. It is a relatively large pipefish, reaching a standard 7.6 in (19.4 cm). It is the only western Atlantic pipefish with a combination of confluent lateral trunk and inferior tail ridges, 17 to 23 pectoral fin rays, and 9 caudal fin rays. Opossum pipefish are the only North American pipefish in which the males bear the brood pouch on the trunk rather than the tail. For more information, please see the species fact sheet below.
Status Review
No formal status review has been completed.
Area of Concern / SOC Range
Southeast Florida to the Rio Grande River
Opossum Pipefish SOC Range Map
Species Fact Sheet
Conservation Designations
