Bluestripe Pipefish Care Guide
Doryrhamphus excisus is a small reef-associated pipefish of the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific, listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Overview
Doryrhamphus excisus, the Bluestripe Pipefish, is a small marine, reef-associated syngnathid. FishBase records it as monogamous and almost always observed in home-ranging pairs that do not defend an exclusive territory.
Taxonomy
- Family: Syngnathidae
- Genus: Doryrhamphus
- Scientific name: Doryrhamphus excisus
Habitat
FishBase reports a wide range across the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific, from the Persian Gulf and East Africa to the west coast of the Americas. It is a benthopelagic species that shelters in rock and coral crevices and beneath ledges in lagoon and seaward reefs, recorded at depths of 2-50 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 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 7 cm (FishBase)
Diet
A carnivore. FishBase notes it uses its tube-like snout to ingest small crustaceans and plankton. In aquaria it requires small, frequent meaty feedings and benefits from live copepod populations.
Compatibility
A peaceful species suited to calm reef systems and best kept with other slow, gentle feeders. Fast or aggressive fish that compete at feeding time should be avoided.
Breeding
Ovoviviparous, with the male carrying eggs in a brood pouch under the tail. FishBase reports both obligate and genetic monogamy, with pairs maintaining a shared home range.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2015). FishBase notes use in commercial fisheries and the aquarium trade.