Red Banded Pipefish (Doryrhamphos Multiannulators)

Care Level : Expert Only

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Red, Yellow

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : With Caution

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 6¼»

Origin : Indo-Pacific

Family : Syngnathidae

Minimum Tank Size : 50 gallons

The Red Banded Pipefish (Doryrhamphos Multiannulators) is a type of reef pipefish or flagtail pipefish. This fish is a stronger swimmer than its seahorse cousins and rarely comes into direct contact with the substrate.

The Red Banded Pipefish has a long, slender body with a tiny, tubular mouth and an oval, flag-like tail. The body is yellow with bright red to maroon vertical rings from head to the tail. 

The tail is bright red with a white tip and yellow dot in the center.

This social species is best kept in mated pairs or groups of its own kind in an aquarium that is 50 gallons or larger.

Aside from being extraordinarily attractive in shape in coloration, it is quite peaceful. It gets along well with similarly sedate fishes such as dragonets and seahorses. Provided that they are not aggressively territorial, certain gobies and blennies can likewise be excellent tankmates. Pipefish should not, however, be kept with stinging anemones and pinchy crabs.

As with their seahorse brethren, males (but not females) are equipped with specialized brood pouches. The pouch may be found either on the tail or on the abdomen, depending upon phylogenetic lineage. Following a brief courtship, females deposit the eggs into the pouch. After developing for some time, the male “gives birth” to the brood. After they are released, they receive no further care. The newly-released young immediately begin feeding on tiny crustaceans.

Foods and feeding are undoubtedly the most critical aspect of this animal’s husbandry. 

Their guts and feeding behaviors are adapted to the lifestyle of a constant nibbler; thus, an ample and appropriate food source should be available to them throughout the entire day. 

Tisbe, Tigriopus and Apocyclops copepods have all been recommended as a food for this species. 

Size:

Small: 1" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/4" to 3-1/2"; Large: 3-1/2" to 4-3/4"