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Edmondson's pipefish

Halicampus edmondsoni

Edmondson's pipefish© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Edmondson's pipefish is a small, slender marine pipefish reaching about 9.4 cm. It frequents shallow reef and seagrass habitats and is prized by collectors rather than anglers for its delicate appearance.

Fight
Taste
Inedible/Protected

Basic Information

Family

Syngnathidae

Max Size

9.4 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

1-33m

Climate

tropical

Best Season

May‑September (warmer months), though can be caught year‑round in tropical waters

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon when surface water is calm

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Edmondson's pipefish

  • Use a size 4‑6 lb test line to feel the slightest nibble
  • Select the smallest hook (size 12‑14) and a light leader to avoid spooking the fish
  • Fish over seagrass beds or near coral heads where pipefish hide
  • Approach slowly and lift the hook with a soft hand‑net to prevent damage

Top Fishing Locations for Edmondson's pipefish

Christmas Island Marine Reserve

Australia
intermediate78% Very Common

Protected waters around Christmas Island host abundant seagrass beds where Edmondson's pipefish are common, especially around the lagoon edges.

Best: April-September

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Philippines
expert65% Common

World‑heritage dive site with pristine coral walls and abundant macro fauna; pipefish are often seen among the branching corals.

Best: March-June

Raja Ampat Archipelago

Indonesia
intermediate58% Common

Remote limestone islands with extensive reef flats; pipefish inhabit the shallow seagrass and rubble zones.

Best: October-April

Palau – Rock Islands Southern Lagoon

Palau
intermediate42% Occasional

Clear lagoon waters with abundant macro‑habitats; pipefish are frequently spotted among the mangrove roots and soft corals.

Best: November-March

Great Barrier Reef – Cairns Outer Reef

Australia
beginner35% Occasional

Easily accessible reef sections near Cairns; pipefish occur in the deeper seagrass patches but are less abundant than in more remote locations.

Best: June-September

Maldives – Baa Atoll Marine Protected Area

Maldives
beginner22% Uncommon

Protected atoll with rich macro‑life; pipefish are present in the lagoon’s seagrass beds but sightings are occasional.

Best: January-April

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Edmondson's pipefish

Recommended Equipment

RodUltralight spinning rod, 2‑3 ft, fast action
Line4‑6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeMicro jig or tiny soft‑plastic grub
TechniqueGentle drift or slow trolling with a fine‑mesh hand net for retrieval

Best bait: Live shrimp larvae, copepods or mysid shrimp