Pipefishes

These fishes belong in the "Order Gasterosteiformes" and "Suborder Syngnathoidei" as members of the "Family Syngnathidae" (Seahorses & Pipefishes) consisting of 2 Subfamilies, 52 genera, and 200+ species, and "Family Solenostomidae" (Ghost Pipefishes) consisting of 1 genera, and about 6 species.

Although most are found in seawater, some are found in freshwater. They are fairly inexpensive, somewhat colorful and very hardy in the right environment. Like their Seahorse relative, requirements are basically the same. In fact, they complement each other in the reef/invertebrate aquarium and require much the same food/conditions as do seahorses and dragonets. For in-depth information concerning these fishes, checkout 'Reef Fishes' Volume 1' by Scott Michael (ISBN #1-890087-21-1). You can see a review of this exquisite book by visiting my 'Product & Book Reviews' page.

Dragon Pipefishes

Corythoichthys

  • C. amplexus
  • C. flavofasciatus
  • C. haematopterus
  • C. intestinalis
  • C. nigripectus
  • C. schultzi

    Hovering Pipefishes

    Doryrhamphus

  • D. dactyliophorus
  • D. excisus
  • D. janssi
  • D. multiannulatus
  • D. pessuliferus

    Dunkerocampus

  • D. baldwini

    Halicampus

  • H. boothae
  • H. brocki
  • H. macrorhynchus
  • H. nitidus

    Hippichthys

  • H. cyanospilus
  • H. penicillus
  • H. spicifer

    Commensal Pipefishes

    Siokunichthys

  • S. nigrolineatus

    Syngnathoides

  • S. biaculeatus

    Seagrass Pipefishes

    Syngnathus

  • S. leptorhynchus
  • S. scovelli

    Stick Pipefishes

    Trachyrhamphus

  • T. bicoarctatus

    Ghost Pipefishes

    This is a small genus consisting of three described species and possibly a few more yet to be described species. All hail from the Western Pacific Ocean and inhabit protected lagoons and bays. They are masters at camouflage and often hide among corals, sponges, gorgonians, and algae/seagrass. They are difficult to feed requiring live foods such as mysis and brine shrimp and some glass/ghost shrimp. Better left in the wild.

    Solenostomus

  • S. armatus
  • S. cyanopterus
  • S. paegnius
  • S. paradoxus

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