Short Snout Pipefish

Introduction

The Short Snout Pipefish is a fascinating and unique species that shares many characteristics with seahorses. Known for its slender, elongated body and distinctive short snout, this pipefish is a peaceful addition to marine aquariums, especially those with a soft coral and invertebrate community. Its delicate appearance and calm demeanor make it an intriguing choice for aquarists seeking a more unusual fish.

Scientific Name

Syngnathus floridae

Common Name

Short Snout Pipefish

Water Quality and Temperature

• Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F)

• pH: 8.1 – 8.4

• Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 (specific gravity)

• Water Hardness: Slightly hard to hard

• Water Quality: Excellent filtration is essential. Water must be pristine, with stable parameters.

Feeding

• Carnivorous, with a preference for live and frozen foods

• Diet Includes:

  • Live copepods

  • Brine shrimp (preferably enriched)

  • Mysis shrimp

  • Other small zooplankton

• It’s best to offer smaller, live food that they can easily suck up through their small snout.

Tank Mates

• Peaceful but requires a tank with similarly calm fish

• Best suited to community tanks with peaceful invertebrates and other small fish

• Avoid tank mates that are overly active, aggressive, or fin-nippers

• Avoid aggressive species or large fish that may outcompete them for food or pose a threat

Substrates and Tank Decorations

• A sandy or fine substrate is ideal, as it mimics their natural seafloor environment

• Decor: Includes live rock, coral structures, or macroalgae to offer plenty of hiding spots and perches for the pipefish

• Pipefish like to hover around plants and rocks, so ample coverage is important

• Provide spaces where they can rest, as they are not strong swimmers

Suitable Plants

• Good for tanks with live plants such as seagrasses, macroalgae, and other marine plants like Chaetomorpha

• Plants provide food sources for copepods and shelter for the pipefish to hide in

• Dense plants will offer the necessary support and security for their small bodies

Sexing

• Males tend to have a slightly more pronounced body shape around the abdomen, where they carry eggs before giving birth

• Females are usually smaller in size and less rounded in the belly

• Mating behavior involves males holding eggs in a brood pouch, similar to seahorses

Breeding

• Breeding occurs when males carry the fertilized eggs in a brood pouch located on their abdomen

• Once the young are fully developed, the male “gives birth” to tiny pipefish, which immediately swim away and begin foraging for food

• Breeding in captivity can be challenging, as males may not readily accept food during their brooding period, and fry need to be raised separately

• Providing a tank with live food sources (copepods, brine shrimp) is crucial for the survival of the young

Maximum Size and Longevity

• Maximum Size: Up to 12 cm (4.7 inches)

• Lifespan: 3 – 4 years in captivity, depending on water quality and diet

General Information

The Short Snout Pipefish is a delicate and shy creature that thrives in stable, well-maintained aquariums. It’s important to keep this species in tanks that replicate its natural habitat, with plenty of hiding spaces and minimal disturbance from other species. This pipefish is not suited for beginners due to its specific care requirements, including a diet of live food and pristine water conditions.

A Fun Fact

Despite their appearance, pipefish are not slow movers! They can dart quickly from place to place using a series of small, rapid movements. When at rest, they often freeze and blend in with their surroundings, almost resembling a piece of floating debris or a twig, making them a master of camouflage.