Doryrhamphus dactylophorus

Datasheet

General Description

The Banded Pipefish, scientifically known as Doryrhamphus dactylophorus, belongs to the Syngnathidae family and is commonly referred to as a reef pipefish or flagtail pipefish. This species possesses a long and slender body with a cream-colored base adorned with distinctive dark red to black vertical rings running from its snout to tail. Its tail is notably bright red with a white margin and a central dot, resembling a flag.

Aquarium Suitability

The Banded Pipefish is considered suitable for expert aquarists due to its specific care requirements and dietary preferences. It is advised that only experienced hobbyists acquire these fish to ensure their proper care and well-being.

Demands, Care and Hardiness

Being a reef pipefish, the Banded Pipefish is a proficient swimmer compared to seahorses, seldom touching the substrate. It thrives best in a mature reef aquarium with an ample supply of live copepods, suggesting a specialized care demand. Maintaining their diet typically involves live copepods and vitamin-enriched baby brine shrimp, with a transition to frozen food such as CYCLOP-EEZE, small Mysis, and Nutramar Ova over time. To sustain health, feeding them AlgaGen Tisbe biminiensis is recommended. Mated pairs will engage in a complex courtship ritual, leading to the female attaching adhesive eggs to the male's trunk underside, where they will regularly mate in a well-fed aquarium.

Reef Suitability

The Banded Pipefish is cautiously reef-compatible, requiring careful consideration due to their specific dietary needs and social behaviors. They may coexist with small, timid tank mates like gobies, seahorses, dragonets, and firefish. However, aggressive or territorial fish are unsuitable companions, along with corals or anemones with stinging tentacles and large invertebrates like crabs and sizable shrimp, which may pose harm to the pipefish.

Aquarium Setup

For optimal care, the Banded Pipefish should be housed in a tank of at least 189 liters, preferably in mated pairs or small groups of its kind. The aquarium should be adequately sized, ideally 50 gallons or larger, with suitable hiding spots among live rock or macroalgae. The water parameters should be maintained within a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12.

Behaviour

This species exhibits a peaceful temperament and is best kept in pairs or small groups, mirroring their social behavior in the wild. They are known to coexist harmoniously with compatible tank companions but may be vulnerable to aggressive or larger tank mates that can pose a threat.

Feeding and Diet

As carnivores, the Banded Pipefish predominantly feed on live copepods and require a varied diet for optimal health. Starting with live copepods and vitamin-enriched baby brine shrimp, they can eventually be transitioned to frozen options such as CYCLOP-EEZE, small Mysis, and Nutramar Ova. Feeding them AlgaGen Tisbe biminiensis ensures a balanced and nutritious diet essential for their well-being.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction

Mature males and females of the Banded Pipefish can be distinguished by physical characteristics, with males typically appearing more flattened due to the brood patch. Females, on the other hand, tend to have a rounder appearance. In a well-fed aquarium setting, mated pairs will engage in breeding behaviors, with the female attaching adhesive eggs to the male's trunk underside, leading to regular mating occurrences.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, Banded Pipefish can be found swimming beneath rocky overhangs, corals, or in close proximity to the reef bottom. They typically gravitate towards areas with ample hiding spots and marine vegetation, similar to their preferred environment in the aquarium setting.