Common name: Schultz's pipefish
General information
Schultz's Pipefish, scientifically known as Corythoichthys schultzi, is a captivating and slender species popular among aquarists who appreciate its unique appearance and behavior. This species belongs to the family Syngnathidae, which includes seahorses and pipefish. They are characterized by their elongated bodies, encased in bony rings, and their small, tubular mouths.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 15 cm (6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding spots & live rock
- Diet
- Carnivore Mysis, brine shrimp, small crustaceans
- Social
- Pair Pairs often found; can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPipefishesSyngnathiformes
- FamilyPipefishesSyngnathidae
- GenusPipefishCorythoichthys
- SpeciesSchultz's pipefishCorythoichthys schultzi Herald, 1953
Care
Caring for Schultz's Pipefish requires a well-established aquarium with a gentle flow and plenty of hiding places. They are not the easiest species to keep due to their specialized feeding requirements. They thrive on a diet of small, live foods such as copepods, brine shrimp, and other tiny crustaceans. It's crucial to maintain excellent water quality and stable parameters to keep these delicate fish healthy.
Reproduction
Like other pipefish, Schultz's Pipefish are ovoviviparous, with males carrying the fertilized eggs in a brood pouch until they hatch. The breeding process can be challenging in captivity, but with meticulous care and attention, it is possible to witness this fascinating aspect of their life cycle.
Habitat
Schultz's Pipefish are typically found in shallow, tropical marine waters among seagrasses, mangroves, and coral reefs. They are adept at camouflage, often mimicking the appearance of seagrass blades to evade predators. Their natural range extends across the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to the islands of the central Pacific.