Anyone keep pipefish in their reef?

[steven11]

Ofcoarse the thread is started right after i pick up a pipe fish!

Mine has been in the tank for a day know and hasnt moved off of the sand bed up against the front glass. At least no one is picking on him i guess. Good luck Blazer!

 

[JasonD]

I picked up a pipefish from Reef Mystique about three weeks ago. It is in a 40gallon breeder, medium flow, just zoas and yumas, no anemone. It appears to be doing great. I bought it to try and cut the pod population down. It will not eat any prepared foods. It is out hunting all the time, very fun fish..

 

[Blazer88]

It's good to hear about some positive experiences. I know these fish are shy so I'm thinking it may be time to sell my two-spot Tang. I added a small Lubbocks Fairy Wrasse yesterday and the Tang seems to be chasing him whenever he can, I would hate for him to chase around a new pipefish I think the Tang is just curious more than anything but I would rather not stress out new pipefish if I can avoid it.

 

[barrierreefcf]

Hi all,

Dave B. (O2manyfish) gave a good presentation at a PSAS meeting which is what inspired us to start experimenting with Pipefish. He had great success with the dragon face's, in reefs, as well as other species. We are getting 8 more of them on 4/3. Good foods for these include Essential Live Feeds Pods, newly hatched brine, the existing pods in your tank, and once they get conditioned to non-living foods, Cyclop-eze. I suspect they might take smaller pieces of mysis once they get used to them. Good luck for those of you about to add them. You will love having them in your reef!

 

[Blazer88]

Hey Cy, my wife and I were down there on Sunday checking out the Dragonfaced ones you had in stock. I'll swing in on Wednesday and see if you got some banded ones in. And I remember the presentation from Dave, I've been interested in them ever since

 

[tamarindthai]

can you put more than one tpye of pipe fish in the same tank.??

 

[barrierreefcf]

In our experiences yes. We've mixed green pipes, dragon faced pipes, banded pipes and a few other species successfully.

 

[JasonD]

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=0&cat=2017&articleid=3150

A Natural Defense to Parasitic Amphipods 'Red Bugs' on Acropora Corals
Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

May 2004 News

A tiny parasitic amphipod has recently been discovered that seems to only affect certain species of Acropora corals. This parasite has not been scientifically identified, but has been explained by experts as being a micro-amphipod about 1/2 millimeter in length and yellow with a red abdomen. They have been dubbed "Red Bugs." Infested coral colonies will typically bleach (lose color), stop extending their polyps, and slowly waste away until the entire colony is lost.

Our Aquatic Experts at Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. have experimented with many different species of gobies, wrasses, and clingfish, as well as other species to find a natural solution to get rid of this parasite. Fortunately, they have found an answer – the Dragon Pipefish (Corythoichthys haematopterus), which may also be known as the Dragonface Pipefish, Messmate Pipefish, or Reeftop Pipefish. Dragon Pipefish feed upon small crustaceans such as copepods, amphipods, and "Red Bugs." Once acclimated and comfortable in their new environment, you will find this interesting fish perched near infected corals, methodically consuming bug after bug. The Dragon Pipefish not only offers a natural solution to getting rid of these pests, but is also a very interesting addition for the advanced aquarist. In addition to a colorful pattern and unique shape, they also have the amazing and amusing ability to move their eyes in just about any direction. Just be sure that your reef aquarium is mature and has plenty of micro-crustaceans for them to feed upon.

 

[Sherman]

Just to add in the other side of the argument and keep things level:

As with many "predators" (copperband butterfly and apstasia, peppermint shrimp and apstasia, emerald crab and bubble algae, etc.), this seems to be a hit and miss. In secondhand observance of more than just one tank with dragonface pipefish and red bugs, none of the fish every showed even an inkling of interest in the bugs.

So... as usual... your mileage may vary.

 

[JasonD]

Pipefish Selection:
I would think the crawling type pipefish, like the dragonface, would be a better choice for a medium/high flow reeftank? My dragonface seems to have no problem maneuvering over and around power heads. I read references to pipefish being poor swimmers and could be blown into an anemone or stinging coral by turbulent currents. The anemone/pipefish might be a bad idea?

Just tagging along....

 

[Blazer88]

I wonder if the banded pipefish are in the weak category of swimmers. And I'm personally not looking to them as a red bug cure or anything, I just think they are very cool creatures. But I won't complain if they happen to munch on a few