Pipefish – Banded

Banded Pipefish Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size:  60 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 17.5cm (7″)

Diet: Carnivore (Eats pods)

Temperament: Peaceful

Lifespan: Up to 10 years

Scientific Name: Doryrhamphus Dactylophorus

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Approx. Purchase Size:  2-3 inches

The banded pipefish, scientific name Doryrhamphus Dactylophorus is a peaceful fish. Their minimum tank size is 60 gallons. Banded pipefish can grow up to 7” and can live up to 10 years. Banded pipefish are carnivores, they will eat pods found in the tank. If there are no pods present in the tank they can be bought and added to the tank. Banded pipefish can be kept alone but are best kept in pairs or groups. Banded pipefish are reef safe, they will not bother corals or invertebrates. They will find a crevice in the rocks to sleep in. Banded pipefish will be seen swimming through the tank or seen floating in the water, they do not have strong fins or a strong swimming capability so keeping them in a fish tank with lower flow settings and peaceful tank mates is recommended. Banded pipefish can be mixed with other pipefish as long as there is enough food. Pipefish are delicate and can be harmed by large fast moving fish, anemones or stinging tentacles from corals. They can also be harmed from certain invertebrates such as crabs. The banded pipefish is also referred to as the reef pipefish or flagtail pipefish.