Glossary:
The pipefish, also known as nicknames such as the Dragonfaced pipefish and Flagtail pipefish, is somewhat similar to seahorses in its appearance, only longer and straighter, like an eel. This creature looks fascinating and can make your tank more interesting, but it’s also difficult to care for and is recommended primarily for expert aquarists.
Here you’ll learn more about how to care for pipefish in your saltwater aquarium.
Yes, the pipefish is reef-safe and won’t attack your coral or most other invertebrates within your reef tank. As such, they’re perfectly compatible with most reef tank environments.
One of the reasons it’s hard to maintain pipefish is the fact that they’re picky eaters. They only feed on live foods for the most part, including Mysis shrimp, copepods, and brine shrimp, and they don’t typically get used to frozen foods. Their unusual shape also makes it harder to tell whether they’re getting enough nutrition.
Yes, pipefish are notoriously challenging to care for and maintain, which is why you’re better off staying away from this species unless you’re an experienced aquarist. They have highly specific tank requirements, including strict temperature and pH requirements along with high alkalinity levels.
There are many potential threats that pipefish face in the wild. These threats include climate change, pollution, invasive species, habitat loss, bycatch, and overfishing. Many of these threats are shared among the pipefish’s cousins, including seahorses, sticklebacks, and seadragons.
No, pipefish don’t have any teeth and aren’t dangerous in any other way, unlike certain species of eels or watersnakes. They’re generally harmless to other tank mates and us.
Pricing can vary pretty greatly for the pipefish, depending on what you’re looking for in the marketplace. You can generally find pipefish at prices ranging from $20 to as much as $100. Shop around to compare prices and ensure you find the right specimen for your tank.
The following are some interesting facts you might want to know about the pipefish:
You’ll want to stick with peaceful, easy-going fish when choosing tank mates for your pipefish. For example, smaller species such as dragonets, gobies, fire fish, and mandarins that aren’t too territorial will work. Meanwhile, avoid putting aggressive and highly territorial fish in your tank, as they can quickly steal food from your pipefish before they can get enough to sustain.
Want to purchase pipefish online? The following are some locations where you can find this species:
The pipefish is a species you really shouldn’t get for your tank until you’ve got some experience under your belt. However, with the right care and plenty of diligence, you can ensure your pipefish flourishes in a captive environment.