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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Syngnathidae (Pipefish)
Natural Range: Pacific Ocean
Depth: 3 to 68 ft. Size: 3.5 in. Jumps: No Space: 20+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Planktonic copepods and other small crustaceans
Natural History: The Dragon-faced pipefish is normally found in shallow reef lagoons and flats where water flow is gentle and copepods are plentiful. It hunts among rocks for prey, searching through crevices and caves.
Husbandry: Dragon-faced Pipefish prefer moving planktonic food which makes keeping them in the aquarium difficult. They can sometimes be weaned onto frozen food but it must move to make it appear living. They prefer gentle water currents and some type of structure to take refuge. Smaller aquariums makes it easier to satisfy their food requirements. Other cohabitant competitors will make it even more difficult to maintain Dragon-faced Pipefish health. A refugium that grows copepods is a great help to keeping them
Reproduction: The male Dragon-faced Pipefish has an abdominal brood pouch which is used to receive eggs and nurture them until hatching.
AKA: Yellowstreaked Pipefish