Common name: Glittering pipefish

General information

The Trumpet Pipefish, scientifically known as Halicampus nitidus, is a captivating and slender marine fish that belongs to the family Syngnathidae, which includes seahorses and pipefish. This species is appreciated for its unique body shape and behavior. It is a relatively small pipefish, reaching lengths of up to 7 inches (18 cm).

Care

Caring for Trumpet Pipefish can be challenging due to their specialized feeding requirements. They are best suited for experienced aquarists who can provide a steady supply of small live foods such as copepods, brine shrimp, and other tiny crustaceans. A well-established reef tank with plenty of live rock and a gentle current is ideal to mimic their natural habitat and provide hiding places.

Reproduction

Like other members of the Syngnathidae family, the Trumpet Pipefish exhibits fascinating reproductive behaviors. Males carry the fertilized eggs in a brood pouch until they hatch. Breeding them in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved, but observing their courtship and mating rituals can be a rewarding experience for dedicated hobbyists.

Habitat

Halicampus nitidus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, and north to the Ryukyu Islands. They typically inhabit shallow coastal waters, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, often hiding among the branches of soft corals and gorgonians.