Bluestripe Pipefish
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
This species makes a dramatic impact in a nano-reef. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
The Doryrhamphus species are some of the most spectacular members of the pipefish group. They hover over the substrate, rather than slither across it, and often occur in pairs. It is a part-time cleaner, picking parasites off of other secretive species (e.g., morays).
Family: Syngnathidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Habitat: In nature, they live in caves and under ledges.
Maximum length: 7 cm (3 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 38 L (10 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Typical of the genus, this species is often reluctant to accept anything but living foods. Offer live adult brine shrimp or some of the other small crustaceans available in the marine fish trade. A productive refugium and live rock can aid in getting it enough to eat. Feed several times a day.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Do not house this fish with food competitors or aggressive species (e.g., dottybacks, angelfishes, wrasses, triggerfishes, puffers).
[edit] Special Care
This species will do better in a tank full of live rock because of the tiny invertebrates that often associate with this substrate.
| Common name | Bluestripe Pipefish + |
| Family | Syngnathidae + |
| Genus | Doryrhamphus + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Maximum length | 3 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 10 gal + |
| Native range | Indo-Pacific +, Eastern Pacific +, Persian Gulf +, and East Africa + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes + |
| Specific name | excisus + |
| Text credit | SWM + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |