Bluestripe Pipefish
The Bluestripe Pipefish is the smallest of the reef pipefishes available in the aquarium hobby. It has a long, slender body with a tiny, tubular mouth and a round, flag-like tail. The body is orange with a blue stripe on either side running from snout to tail. The tail is maroon to red with highly variable yellow, orange, and white markings.
Bluestripe pipefish are among the hardiest pipefish, but are difficult to keep due to their small size and unusual requirements. They normally prefer to eat only Cyclops, small Mysis, and Nutramar Ova.
Looking for the best food to feed your Pipefish? We recommend AlgaGen Tisbe biminiensis.
This species is best kept in mated pairs or harems of one male and multiple females in an aquarium that is 30 gallons or larger. Males are territorial and should be housed carefully to avoid aggression.
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Small, typically under 3 inches |
| Water Temperature | 72–78°F |
| Water pH | 8.1–8.4 |
| Compatibility | Best with non-aggressive, peaceful reef fish |
| Feeding | Cyclops, small Mysis, Nutramar Ova |
FAQ
What is the ideal tank size for Bluestripe Pipefish?
A tank of 30 gallons or larger is recommended to properly house Bluestripe Pipefish, especially when keeping them in pairs or harems.
What kind of food do Bluestripe Pipefish eat?
Bluestripe Pipefish prefer Cyclops, small Mysis, and Nutramar Ova. AlgaGen Tisbe biminiensis is recommended as a high-quality food option.
Are males and females of this species compatible?
Males are territorial and should be housed with multiple females in a group. A single male with several females is ideal to reduce aggression.
Jessica Parr –
The Bluestripe Pipefish arrived healthy and stayed active in my 40-gallon tank. I feed them Cyclops daily and they seem to thrive. The blue stripes are very visible and they look beautiful in the reef setup. Only issue is the male gets a bit aggressive when not properly spaced from other males.
Sean McLean –
I kept a pair in a 35-gallon tank with a few other peaceful fish. The pipefish are active and colorful, especially during feeding. They don’t eat much, so I need to offer small amounts of Mysis regularly. Overall, a nice addition to a reef tank.
Dylan Jackson –
After some research, I decided to go with the Bluestripe Pipefish. They’ve adapted well to my tank conditions. The blue markings stand out and they’re easy to spot. I use AlgaGen Tisbe biminiensis as recommended and they eat it readily.