Banded Pipefish Care Guide
Doryrhamphus dactyliophorus (banded pipefish), accepted on FishBase as Dunckerocampus dactyliophorus, is an Indo-Pacific reef syngnathid with bold dark bands.
Overview
The banded pipefish is a marine, reef-associated syngnathid first described by Bleeker in 1853. It has an elongated body marked with bold dark bands. FishBase records it as solitary, in pairs, or in small aggregations within caves and under ledges.
Taxonomy
- Family: Syngnathidae
- Genus: Doryrhamphus
- Scientific name: Doryrhamphus dactyliophorus
- Currently accepted on FishBase as Dunckerocampus dactyliophorus (Bleeker, 1853)
Habitat
FishBase records it across the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, north to Japan and south to Australia. Adults inhabit tide pools, lagoons and outer reef slopes, sheltering in caves and crevices, at depths of 5-56 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness range (KB): 8-12 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Adult length: up to 19 cm (FishBase)
Diet
A carnivore. FishBase reports it feeds on small invertebrates. In aquaria it requires frequent small meaty feedings and benefits from live foods such as copepods and small mysids.
Compatibility
A peaceful species suited to calm reef systems with other slow, gentle feeders. Fast or aggressive tankmates that outcompete it at feeding time should be avoided.
Breeding
Ovoviviparous, with the male carrying eggs in a brood pouch under the tail; the female deposits eggs into the pouch where they develop until the male releases the young. FishBase notes the species has been reared in captivity.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient (assessed 2016). FishBase notes use in commercial fisheries and the public aquarium trade.