Common name: horny goby
General information
The Banded Pipefish, scientifically known as Yongeichthys criniger, is a captivating species that adds a touch of elegance to any marine aquarium. This slender, elongated fish is characterized by its striking body pattern of alternating dark and light bands, which provides excellent camouflage among seagrasses and coral branches.
Pipefish, closely related to seahorses, share many of the same intriguing behaviors and care requirements. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive tank mates. However, due to their specialized feeding habits, they are best suited for experienced aquarists.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 10 cm (4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Social
- Pair
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGobyGobiidae
- GenusBanded pipefishYongeichthys
- Specieshorny gobyYongeichthys criniger (Valenciennes, 1837)
- SynonymsAcentrogobius criniger (Valenciennes, 1837)Ctenogobius criniger (Valenciennes, 1837)Gobius criniger Valenciennes, 1837Gobius criniger decaryi Pellegrin, 1932Rhinogobius criniger (Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1837)Youngichthys criniger (Valenciennes, 1837)
Care
Banded Pipefish require a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock and hiding places. They thrive in a stable environment with gentle water flow. These fish are carnivorous and prefer a diet of small live foods such as brine shrimp, copepods, and other tiny crustaceans. Consistent feeding of a varied diet is crucial for their health.
Reproduction
Like seahorses, male Banded Pipefish are the ones who carry the fertilized eggs. The female deposits the eggs onto a special brooding area on the male's body, where he fertilizes and carries them until they hatch. This fascinating reproductive strategy is a delight for hobbyists to observe in a home aquarium.
Habitat
Yongeichthys criniger is found in shallow coastal waters, often among seagrasses and coral rubble. They are distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa to the western Pacific Ocean. Their natural habitat includes areas with calm waters that provide ample hiding spots and a rich supply of small prey items.