Pipefish

Pipefish are fascinating and unique members of the Syngnathidae family, which also includes seahorses and seadragons. These slender, elongated fish are known for their pipe-like appearance and their distinctive method of swimming, which involves a graceful, snake-like undulation. Pipefish are found in various marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to seagrass beds and coral reefs. Their natural habitats often influence their care requirements in captivity, making them a unique but sometimes challenging addition to a home aquarium.

One of the most intriguing aspects of pipefish is their reproductive behavior. Similar to seahorses, it is the male pipefish that carries the fertilized eggs. The female deposits her eggs into a specialized brood pouch on the male's body, where he fertilizes and incubates them until they hatch. This fascinating reproductive strategy is not only a marvel of nature but also a point of interest for hobbyists looking to breed pipefish in captivity.

Pipefish are generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive tank mates. However, they have specific dietary needs that can make them a bit more demanding than other fish species. They primarily feed on small crustaceans and plankton, and in captivity, they may require live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp or copepods. Ensuring a steady supply of these foods is crucial for their health and well-being.

When setting up a tank for pipefish, it's important to mimic their natural environment as closely as possible. A well-established tank with plenty of live rock, seagrass, or macroalgae will provide them with hiding spots and hunting grounds. Adequate water flow and pristine water quality are also essential, as pipefish are sensitive to changes in water parameters.

In summary, pipefish are a captivating and elegant addition to a marine aquarium. Their unique appearance, fascinating reproductive behavior, and specific care requirements make them a rewarding challenge for experienced aquarists. With the right conditions and proper care, pipefish can thrive and become a highlight of any reef or marine tank.

1. 
   Common name: Pacific trumpetfish

   Scientific name: Aulostomus chinensis
2. 
   Common name: Trumpetfish

   Scientific name: Aulostomus maculatus
3. 
   Common name: Brown-banded pipefish

   Scientific name: Corythoichthys amplexus
4. 
   Common name: Network pipefish

   Scientific name: Corythoichthys flavofasciatus
5. 
   Common name: Reeftop pipefish

   Scientific name: Corythoichthys haematopterus
6. 
   Common name: Scribbled pipefish

   Scientific name: Corythoichthys intestinalis
7. 
   Common name: Black-breasted pipefish

   Scientific name: Corythoichthys nigripectus
8. 
   Common name: Schultz's pipefish

   Scientific name: Corythoichthys schultzi
9. 
   Common name: Bluestripe pipefish

   Scientific name: Doryrhamphus excisus
10. 
    Common name: Janss' pipefish

    Scientific name: Doryrhamphus janssi
11. Common name: Redstripe pipefish

    Scientific name: Dunckerocampus baldwini
12. 
    Common name: banded pipefish

    Scientific name: Dunckerocampus dactyliophorus
13. 
    Common name: Many-banded pipefish

    Scientific name: Dunckerocampus multiannulatus
14. 
    Common name: Yellowbanded pipefish

    Scientific name: Dunckerocampus pessuliferus
15. 
    Common name: Dragon Seamoth

    Scientific name: Eurypegasus draconis
16. Common name: Booth's pipefish

    Scientific name: Halicampus boothae
17. 
    Common name: Ornate pipefish

    Scientific name: Halicampus macrorhynchus
18. Common name: Glittering pipefish

    Scientific name: Halicampus nitidus
19. Common name: Ward's pipefish

    Scientific name: Hippichthys cyanospilos
20. Common name: Beady pipefish

    Scientific name: Hippichthys penicillus
21. 
    Common name: Blue spotted pipefish

    Scientific name: Hippichthys spicifer
22. 
    Common name: Longtail seamoth

    Scientific name: Pegasus volitans
23. 
    Common name: Mushroom-coral pipefish

    Scientific name: Siokunichthys nigrolineatus
24. Common name: Long-tail ghostpipefish

    Scientific name: Solenostomus armatus
25. 
    Common name: Roughsnout ghost pipefish

    Scientific name: Solenostomus cyanopterus
26. 
    Common name: Ghost Pipefish

    Scientific name: Solenostomus paradoxus
27. 
    Common name: alligator pipefish

    Scientific name: Syngnathoides biaculeatus
28. 
    Common name: bay pipefish

    Scientific name: Syngnathus leptorhynchus
29. 
    Common name: Short-tailed pipefish

    Scientific name: Trachyrhamphus bicoarctatus