A subfamily (Syngnathinae) of fishes, some very colourful, related to the sea horse and seadragon (family Syngnathidae). They have a long, slim, straight body up to 40 cm long with a long, tubular snout (the ‘pipe’ that gives it its name) and a tiny, toothless mouth that opens upwards. There are about 200 species found worldwide, most marine and found in shallow water, especially around coral reefs.