whipfish

Whipfish refers to a group of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Macroramphosidae. These fish are characterized by their elongated bodies and extremely long, tubular snouts, which give them their common name. They are also known as snipefish due to the resemblance of their snouts to a snipe's bill.

The whipfish family is relatively small, containing only a few genera and species. They are found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide, inhabiting coastal areas, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. Their diet consists mainly of small invertebrates, which they probe from the sand or substrate using their specialized snout.

Physically, whipfish are typically slender and have a dorsal fin that is often extended into a long, whip-like ray. Their coloration can vary but often includes camouflage patterns to blend in with their surroundings. They are generally small to medium-sized fish, with most species not exceeding 30 centimeters in length.

Reproduction in whipfish is oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. Information on their specific reproductive behaviors and life cycles is not as extensively documented as for some other fish families. Due to their relatively small size and habit of inhabiting less accessible areas, they are not of significant commercial fishing importance, though they may be encountered by recreational divers and anglers.