Pipefish – Ringed

  • Ringed Pipefish (Dunckerocampus dactyliophorus) is a fascinating marine fish known for its elongated, slender body adorned with distinct black and white rings. This species closely resembles seahorses in appearance and behavior, with a similar slow-moving, graceful demeanor.
  • The Ringed Pipefish thrives in stable water conditions with a temperature range of 72°F to 78°F, pH levels between 8.1 to 8.4, and salinity of 1.020 to 1.025.
  • Reaching a maximum size of around 6 to 8 inches, this delicate and unique fish adds a mesmerizing presence to reef tanks, making it a popular choice for experienced aquarists who appreciate its elegant movement, intricate pattern, and specialized care requirements.
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SKU: 8447

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Introduction: Welcome to the mesmerizing world of the Ringed Pipefish, a delicate and fascinating marine species known for its slender body and distinctive black and white bands. Scientifically named Dunckerocampus dactyliophorus, this pipefish is a true wonder of the ocean, captivating aquarists with its graceful swimming and unique appearance. Native to the warm, tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, the Ringed Pipefish adds an element of elegance and intrigue to any saltwater aquarium.

Scientific Name: The Ringed Pipefish is scientifically known as Dunckerocampus dactyliophorus. It belongs to the Syngnathidae family, which also includes seahorses, and shares their characteristic tube-like snout and slow, deliberate movements.

Water Quality and Temperature: To create an optimal environment for the Ringed Pipefish, it is crucial to replicate the stable and clean water conditions of its natural reef habitat:

  • Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 72°F to 78°F (22°C to 26°C) for optimal comfort.
  • pH Level: Keep the pH level between 8.1 and 8.4 to mimic natural marine conditions.
  • Salinity: A specific gravity of 1.020 to 1.025 is ideal, reflecting the salinity of their natural environment.
  • KH Level: Maintain the carbonate hardness (KH) within the range of 8 to 12 dKH to ensure water stability.

Feeding: The Ringed Pipefish is a carnivorous species with a specialized diet that can be challenging to maintain in captivity. They prefer live foods and may not readily accept prepared diets:

  • Live Foods: Offer live foods such as brine shrimp, copepods, and mysis shrimp, which closely replicate their natural diet.
  • Frozen Foods: Some individuals may accept frozen mysis shrimp or other small, protein-rich frozen foods, though live options are generally preferred.
  • Frequency: Feed small amounts multiple times a day to meet their high metabolic needs and ensure they receive adequate nutrition.

Tank Mates: The Ringed Pipefish is best kept with other peaceful, slow-moving species that will not compete aggressively for food. Suitable tank mates include small gobies, seahorses, and other pipefish. Avoid housing them with more active or aggressive species, as this can cause stress and feeding difficulties for the delicate pipefish.

Substrates and Tank Decorations: A fine sandy substrate is ideal for the Ringed Pipefish, creating a natural and comfortable environment. Decorate the tank with plenty of live rock, macroalgae, and coral branches, providing ample hiding spots and surfaces to explore. The structure in the tank helps reduce stress and allows the pipefish to feel secure. Gentle water flow is also essential to replicate their natural reef environment and aid in feeding.

Suitable Plants: While live plants are uncommon in marine tanks, macroalgae such as Chaetomorpha and Halimeda can be included to provide additional cover and grazing opportunities. These plants also contribute to maintaining water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and mimicking the pipefish’s natural surroundings.

Sexing: Sexing Ringed Pipefish can be challenging due to the lack of distinct external differences between males and females. In some species of pipefish, males carry the eggs in a specialized pouch, but this may not be easily visible. Breeding pairs may exhibit close companionship, which can be a clue to their sex.

Breeding: Breeding Ringed Pipefish in captivity is a delicate process that requires a specialized setup. In the wild, males carry the fertilized eggs in a brood pouch until they hatch. To encourage breeding, provide a peaceful environment with stable water conditions and plenty of hiding spots. If breeding occurs, the fry are extremely small and require live foods like rotifers or copepods for proper growth.

Maximum Size and Longevity: The Ringed Pipefish typically grows to about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) in length. With meticulous care, they can live for up to 5 years in a well-maintained aquarium.

General Information: The Ringed Pipefish is admired for its striking appearance and gentle nature. Its care requires a dedicated and experienced aquarist, as maintaining its specialized diet and delicate health can be challenging. However, for those willing to meet its needs, the Ringed Pipefish offers a unique and rewarding experience, adding a touch of elegance and mystery to a marine aquarium.

A Fun Fact: The Ringed Pipefish is closely related to seahorses and shares their characteristic method of swimming, using small, rapid movements of the dorsal fin to glide gracefully through the water. Their unique feeding method involves sucking up small prey through their elongated snout, similar to how a seahorse feeds.

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