Dragonface Pipefish

The Dragonface Pipefish is an elegant, elongated marine fish closely related to seahorses. It features a slender body with intricate brown, white, and reddish markings, helping it blend into its surroundings. Native to Indo-Pacific reefs, this delicate fish is highly sought after for its ability to control reef pests like red bugs. However, it requires specialized care and a mature aquarium with a steady supply of live food.

Care Guide:

• Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons, but 50+ gallons is recommended for better food availability and stability.
• Temperament: Peaceful, does best in species-specific or slow-moving fish tanks.
• Diet: Carnivorous (Specialized Feeder) – requires a steady supply of live copepods, amphipods, and other microcrustaceans. Some individuals may accept frozen cyclops or baby brine shrimp, but most rely on live food.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 74-78°F (23-26°C)
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Salinity: 1.023-1.025
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <10 ppm (low nutrient levels preferred)
  • Flow: Low to moderate – prefers gentle currents and plenty of calm areas.
• Tank Setup:
  • Requires plenty of live rock and a well-established refugium to sustain a strong copepod population.
  • Needs overhangs, caves, and branching corals to hide among.
  • Seagrass, macroalgae, or gorgonians can be added to provide natural perching and hunting zones.
• Reef Safe? Yes – does not harm corals, invertebrates, or other reef inhabitants.
• Compatibility:
  • Best kept with peaceful, slow-moving fish such as seahorses, mandarins, and small gobies.
  • Avoid aggressive or fast-feeding tank mates like tangs, wrasses, or large clownfish, which will outcompete them for food.
  • Can be kept in pairs or small groups in larger tanks.

Special Considerations:

• Difficult to Feed: Requires a constant supply of live copepods. A mature tank (6+ months old) with a thriving pod population is essential.
• Sensitive to Medications: Avoid copper-based treatments, as pipefish are highly sensitive to them.
• Not Beginner-Friendly: Due to their specialized diet and care requirements, Dragonface Pipefish are best suited for experienced reef keepers.

Summary:

The Dragonface Pipefish is a beautiful but delicate fish that requires a well-established, pod-rich aquarium with gentle flow and peaceful tank mates. With the right conditions, it can thrive and even help control pest populations like red bugs in a reef tank. However, due to its feeding challenges, it is best suited for advanced aquarists.