Bluestripe Pipefish
Doryrhamphus excisus
Water Parameters
About
The pipefish is the smaller, more elongated relative of the seahorse. Its tubular body with horizontal blue and orange stripes and a red‑bluish fan‑shaped tail makes it one of the most elegant reef dwellers. It lives in pairs within caves and crevices, emerging to feed.
Behavior & Temperament
A shy, delicate fish that lives among fissures and caves in live rock. A slow, hesitant swimmer. Forms stable pairs. Occasionally exhibits cleaning behavior, removing parasites from larger fish.
Feeding
Carnivore. Extremely specialized diet: live copepods, live baby brine shrimp and small mysis. VERY difficult to feed. Requires frequent live food.
Breeding
Male livebearer (like seahorses). The male carries the eggs on its ventral side. Breeding is possible in an aquarium with a pair and proper nutrition.
Care Notes
Aquarium with many caves and fissures in live rock. Very gentle flow. Feeding with live copepods and Artemia is almost mandatory. Can be kept with seahorses. Avoid ANY competitive tankmates.
Compatibility
Only with very peaceful and slow fish. Ideal in a seahorse aquarium or species‑only tank. Any active fish will stress it and compete for food. It can be kept with seahorses.
Quick Summary
| Scientific Name | Doryrhamphus excisus |
|---|---|
| Family | Syngnathidae |
| Category | Fish |
| Care Level | Advanced |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| Max Size | 7.0 cm (2.8") |
| Min Tank | 100 L (26 gal) |
| Min Group | 2+ |
| Diet | Carnivore. Extremely specialized diet: live copepods, live baby brine shrimp and small mysis. VERY difficult to feed. Requires frequent live food. |
| Temperament | A shy, delicate fish that lives among fissures and caves in live rock. A slow, hesitant swimmer. Forms stable pairs. Occasionally exhibits cleaning behavior, removing parasites from larger fish. |
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