Common name: Mushroom-coral pipefish

General information

The Pygmy Pipehorse, Siokunichthys nigrolineatus, is a small and elusive species that is part of the Syngnathidae family, which includes seahorses and pipefish. This species is known for its slender body and distinctive black line running along its back. Unlike their seahorse relatives, pygmy pipehorses do not have a prehensile tail, but they do share the characteristic elongated snout.

Care

Pygmy Pipehorses are not common in the aquarium trade due to their specific care requirements and rarity. They require a mature, stable, and well-established reef tank with plenty of live rock and hiding places. These fish are delicate and should only be kept by experienced aquarists who can provide a diet of small live foods such as copepods and other tiny crustaceans. They are sensitive to water quality and require pristine conditions with gentle water flow.

Reproduction

Like other members of the Syngnathidae family, the Pygmy Pipehorse exhibits fascinating reproductive behavior. The males carry the fertilized eggs in a brood pouch until they hatch. This species is not commonly bred in captivity, and little is known about their breeding habits in the home aquarium.

Habitat

Siokunichthys nigrolineatus is found in the Western Pacific, particularly around Indonesia and the Philippines. They inhabit coral reefs and are often associated with gorgonians, where they blend in with their surroundings to avoid predators. They are typically found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 20 meters.