Seahorses and Pipefish

Both Seahorses and Pipefish belong to the Syngnathidae family. Seahorses are classified in the genus Hippocampus, and most Pipefish are classified as Sygnathinae or Doriorhamphus. The average size in an aquarium of most Seahorses is approximately five inches, and most Pipefish reach a length of eight inches. The largest Seahorse can reach a height of over 14 inches in the wild. All these fish have bony plates on their bodies with elongated snouts. Seahorses are found in temperate and tropical waters around the world, in shallow reefs, or in algae and grass beds. Most of these fish are found in small groups but they can sometimes be more solitary. They live mainly on small crustaceans and small fish. Most Seahorses and Pipefish have the ability to change color to match their environment, reducing the risk of being spotted by a predator.

Seahorses and Pipefish are relatively hardy and adjust well to life in an aquarium if provided with the proper environment. These fish should be maintained in good water conditions, with low current and plenty of branching gorgonias, algae, or coral decorations. Seahorses and Pipefish swim very slowly, and have difficulty competing for food when other fish are present in the aquarium. For this reason, these fish are best kept in a species tank, containing only Seahorses and Pipefish. In an aquarium, these fish usually prefer live foods such as vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, small ghost shrimp, or copepods and amphipods found in live rock.

Male Seahorses can be recognized by their pouch, which is located under their abdomen. Female Seahorses have a smooth abdomen with no pouch. The male Pipefish and Seahorses carry eggs on their stomach or in their pouch until their young hatch. These young Seahorses are miniature replicas of their adult parents. The breeding of these fish in an aquarium can be accomplished easily, and the fry can successfully be raised to maturity.

They are generally compatible with: Seahorses & Pipefish.

Caution is required with: Gobies.

They are not compatible with: Dwarf Angelfish, Large Angelfish, Anglers & Frogfish, Anthias, Basslets, Batfish, Blennies, Boxfish, Butterflyfish, Cardinalfish, Clownfish, Damselfish, Eels, Filefish, Goatfish, Groupers, Grunts & Sweetlips, Hawkfish, Hogfish, Lionfish & Scorpionfish, Parrotfish, Pseudochromis, Puffers, Sharks & Rays, Squirrelfish, Tangs & Surgeons, Triggerfish and Wrasse.