Blue Stripe Pipefish

The blue stripe pipefish, Doryrhamphus excisus, is a small seahorse relative with blue lines along an orange-yellow body. Its narrow mouth and deliberate feeding behaviour make access to tiny prey a central part of aquarium planning.

Provide caves, shaded ledges and protected areas of gentle water movement. Offer appropriately sized live crustaceans when required, and verify acceptance before relying on frozen mysis or other prepared foods. Food must reach the pipefish repeatedly; adding it to a busy community and broadcasting extra food is not a dependable substitute.

Choose quiet companions that neither harass the fish nor monopolise meals. Protect filtration intakes and avoid exposed equipment that can injure a weak swimmer. Watch body condition and feeding closely, even when the pipefish appears comfortable exploring the rockwork.