Doryrhamphus pessuliferus - Pipefish are close relatives of the seahorse. Yellow banded pipefish are popular for their bright yellow bands and long, elegant shape. They are one of the "flagtail" pipefish and have relatively large, red caudal fins used for sailing around the tank in the current.
Wild caught pipefish are extremely difficult to keep because they typically only eat live foods. These captive bred pipefish from David Sowash at Reef Life Creations are raised on prepared foods like frozen baby brine, chopped mysis, and PE Calanus, making them easier to keep. They're quite hardy when provided with the proper environment and care. Pipefish should be fed 3 - 4 x a day.
Compatibility
Seahorse specific tanks are perfect environments for small pipefish. Unlike seahorses, pipefish may also be suitable in a reef-style tank with proper tank mates.
This pipefish species grows to about 4". At sale size, young pipefish are about 2". Aggressive fish or fish large enough to eat small pipefish are not suitable tankmates. Beware larger crabs and hermit crabs or any animals that could pinch or harm them physically. Stinging anemones and any stinging corals like Euphyllia are risky tank mates for pipefish. Corals with large mouths can consume pipefish.
At sale size, these pipefish are too young to accurately sex. They are not aggressive with one another and do great in larger groups. We recommend introducing new fish with an acclimation box.
Pipefish are very different from other aquarium fish, and their care and requirements are also unique to them. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions at support@thebiotagroup.com