Common name: Schultz's pipefish

Scientific name: Corythoichthys schultzi Herald, 1953
Schultzs Pipefish (Corythoichthys schultzi) Lembeh Strait, Indonesia
Schultz's Pipefish (Corythoichthys schultzi) in the Red Sea, EgyptA Schultz pipefish on a brown coral Boracay Island Philippines

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

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Pipefishes
    Syngnathiformes
  5. Family
    Pipefishes
    Syngnathidae
  6. Genus
    Pipefish
    Corythoichthys
  7. Species
    Schultz's pipefish
    Corythoichthys 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.