Which types of water habitats contain gasterosteiform fishes?

Gasterosteiform fishes are found in a variety of aquatic environments across the globe, inhabiting salt water, brackish water, and fresh water habitats.1

Within these environments, these fishes often seek shelter among corals, aquatic plants, or other animals to camouflage themselves and avoid predators. Certain species, including specific types of pipefishes, seahorses, and sticklebacks, are notable for their ability to tolerate a wide range of salinity levels, allowing them to thrive in diverse water conditions. While most members of the order utilize these habitats for food, safety, and reproduction, snipefishes are an exception, as they do not typically seek shelter among marine growths.2