African Pipefish

African Pipefish
Description & Care (Bullet Form)

Description

• Slender, elongated body resembling a freshwater seahorse, with tubular snout and small mouth.

• Typically brown, olive, or mottled to blend with aquatic plants and leaf litter.

• Can reach around 15–20 cm depending on species (commonly Enneacampus kaupi).

• Slow-moving, peaceful, and highly specialized micro-predators.

• Males carry and protect eggs in a brood pouch under the belly.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum tank size: 60 L+ for a pair or small group; long, shallow tanks preferred.

• Very gentle flow; calm water to allow easy feeding and swimming.

• Soft, slightly acidic to neutral water: pH 6.5–7.5.

• Temperature: 22–26 °C depending on species (African freshwater pipefish prefer cooler side).

• Clean, pristine water with stable parameters—sensitive to ammonia and nitrite.

• Good filtration but avoid strong current; sponge filters ideal.

Aquascaping

• Densely planted tank with fine-leaf plants (Java moss, hornwort, vallisneria).

• Add hiding places: driftwood, tall grass-like plants, leaf litter.

• Dim to moderate lighting.

Diet & Feeding

• Specialized live-food feeder; will rarely accept dry or frozen foods.

• Feed live baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, mosquito larvae, copepods, and micro-worms.

• Small frequent feedings (2–3 times daily) due to slow metabolism.

• Needs thriving live food cultures or established micro-life in tank.

Compatibility

• Very peaceful and slow—best kept in species-only tank.

• Avoid active or aggressive tankmates (tetras, barbs, cichlids, guppies).

• Good companions: small shrimp, snails, and very calm fish like ricefish or endlers (cautiously).

Breeding

• Male carries eggs in belly pouch—breeding possible in quiet, food-rich tanks.

• Babies very small; need infusoria, microworms, and live copepods.

Challenges

• Sensitive to stress, strong flow, and poor water conditions.

• Feeding can be difficult; needs live food supply.

• Not suitable for beginners—requires experience with delicate species.

Key Selling Points (for store/ad)

• Rare and exotic freshwater relative of seahorses.

• Graceful, fascinating behavior—amazing for biologically rich, planted setups.

• Ideal for unique display tanks and advanced aquarists.