Seahorses and pipefish are some of the most unique marine fishes hobbyists can own. Their long bodies make them weak swimmers. Their tube-like noses make eating difficult, yet give them a horse-like appearance. They are also the only fish who have prehensile tails and can grip things.
These fish are some of the toughest marine fishes to care for. Their water requirements are standard. Yet, they are very sensitive to poor water quality.
The most challenging part of caring for these fish is feeding them. Most will only accept live food, and they are slow eaters.
Seahorses and pipefish are not suitable for beginners. Still, they are some of the most graceful fish to care for, for those willing to put in the work.
What Are Pipefish?
Pipefish have long, skinny bodies with tiny, tube-like mouths. Their skin is vibrant, though their colors and patterns vary by species. Their tails are very short, especially compared to their bodies.
Some of the most common saltwater pipefish available for aquariums include:
- Bluestripe pipefish (Doryrhamphus excisus)
- Banded pipefish (Dunckerocampus dactylophorus)
- Janss’ pipefish (Doryrhamphus janssi)
- Yellow-banded pipefish (Doryrhamphus pessuliferus)
- Flagtail Pipefish (Doryhamhus sp. & Dunckerocampus sp.)
- Dragonface Pipefish (Corythoichthys sp.)
Pipefish from the Doryhamphus species are native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They prefer to live amongst coral reefs. They enjoy rocky overhangs where they can search for their food. These fish are social and enjoy living in mating pairs or small groups.
Other pipefish species prefer living in seagrasses in more open water. These species aren’t generally available for aquariums.
Pipefish seem to have shorter lifespans in captivity than in the wild. Most hobbyists have their fish for three to five years. In the wild, they often live up to ten years.
What Are Seahorses?
Seahorses are part of the “Hippocampus” genus, a name that means “sea monster.
They position themselves in an upright posture. These fish have long, tube-like noses and thick necks that give them horse-like heads. Seahorses have thin, prehensile tails that they use for gripping things.
Seahorses have dorsal fins along their backs that propel them through the water. They use their smaller pectoral fins to steer.
These animals don’t have scales. Instead, they have bony plates covered by skin.
The habitat and range of seahorses vary between species. Seahorses live in shallow, tropical water, with marine grasses to hide.
Some of the most common seahorses available for aquariums include:
- Common seahorse (Hippocampus kuda)
- Lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus)
- Dwarf seahorse (Hippocampus zostera)
- Brazilian seahorse (Hippocampus reidi)
- Gorgonian pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti)
- Tiger-tail seahorse (Hippocampus comes)
Seahorses have short lives, only living for about one to five years. Those taken from the wild for home aquariums do not usually do well and live shorter lives.
Seahorses are social animals that can become lonely when they live alone. They form mated pairs that bond for life. They spend most of their time with their mate. They rarely interact with other nearby seahorses and don’t need to live in groups.
These fish communicate with one another through a series of high-pitched clicks. They produce these sounds by grinding together bony structures. Seahorses also communicate by changing the colors of their bodies. They communicate with their mates by vibrating their bodies and pointing their noses.
The Differences Between Pipefish & Seahorses
Seahorses and pipefish come from the family Syngnathidae. They are close relatives and often live in the same natural environments.
Still, their subfamilies differ. Seahorses are part of the subfamily Hippocampinae. Pipefishes are part of the subfamily Syngnathinae, along with seadragons.
| Pipefish | Seahorses |
| Bodies are long horizontally Longer lifespans (5-10 years) Need horizontal tanks Prefer rocky structures Can live with corals Some freshwater species | Bodies are long vertically Shorter lifespans (1-3 years) Need vertical tanks Prefer thin decorations for hitching Cannot live with corals No freshwater species |
Seahorse & Pipefish Reproduction
Syngnathid fish have one very unique characteristic: their reproduction role reversal. Rather than the female carrying the eggs, the male carries them. The female still produces the eggs, yet the male broods them in a special pouch on his stomach.
The fry swims from their father’s pouch once fully developed and can feed themselves. By the time they leave the pouch, the fry looks like miniature versions of the adults. They eat tiny invertebrates like their parents.
Many pipefish and seahorse species mate for life. They form close bonds with their chosen mate and spend much time with them. Commonly, pairs will wrap their tails around each other in a kind of embrace.
Seahorse & Pipefish Care, In A Nutshell
Consult this seahorse and pipefish care sheet for quick care tips:
| Aquarium Size | 40+ gallons (pair of small pipefish)55+ gallons (pair of large pipefish)30+ gallons (pair of small seahorses)55+ gallons (pair of large seahorses) |
| Water Temperature | 73-78°F (22.8-25.6°C) |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| Salinity | 1.020-1.025 |
| Safe Water Levels | Ammonia: 0 ppm Nitrites: 0 ppm Nitrates: <10 ppm |
| Substrate | Bare bottom Fine sand |
| Decorations | Thin corals & other decorations for gripping |
| Tank Mates | Other seahorsesCorals (pipefish only)Slow, bottom-dwelling fish |
| Diet | DaphniaCopepods Amphipods Brine shrimp Microworms |
How To Care For Pipefish & Seahorses
Caring for pipefish and seahorses takes a lot of work. They are difficult to keep, dying easily if hobbyists don’t meet their needs. Seahorses and pipefish are sensitive to water quality and are challenging to feed.
Tank Size
Seahorses don’t need a lot of space because they are small and not very active. The shapes of their bodies make them slow swimmers.
Seahorses are very social animals who can become depressed when housed alone. Aquarists should keep them in pairs; they’ll need a moderate-sized aquarium.
Provide at least 30 gallons for a pair of smaller seahorses. For larger species, a pair needs at least 55 gallons. Add 10 gallons for every extra pair of seahorses.
Seahorses prefer to swim vertically rather than horizontally. Their vertical movements are due to the design of their bodies. Aquarists should set up a tank that is taller than it is wide.
Pipefish have bodies that are long horizontally. They are also far more active than seahorses. They do better in aquariums that are longer than they are tall.
Despite being active, pipefish are small and don’t need much space. A 40-gallon tank will be suitable for a pair of smaller pipefish. Larger species should have at least 55 gallons.
Water Parameters
One of the most challenging parts of caring for these fish is their sensitivity to water quality. They thrive in “typical” marine water conditions but don’t handle fluctuations well.
Keep water parameters within these ranges:
- pH: 8.0-8.4
- Salinity: 1.020-1.025
- Carbonate Hardness (dkh): 8-12
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrites: 0 ppm
- Nitrates: >10 ppm
Always ensure the aquarium is well-established before adding sensitive seahorses or pipefish. Aquarists should never add them to new tanks; aquariums should run for at least six months.
Water Temperature
Seahorses and pipefish are tropical species that need warm water. Keep the water temperature between 73-78°F (22.8-25.6°C).
A heater will be necessary to keep the aquarium warm and stable. Adjustable heaters are great for preventing fluctuations in temperature. They can also be an asset when treating sick fish.
Keep a thermometer in the tank and check the temperature every day. It’s rare, but heaters can malfunction, resulting in fish death.
Use a heater guard when using in-tank heaters. Seahorses and pipefish like to wrap their tails around items. They can receive burns from heaters.
Filters
Seahorses and pipefish are weak swimmers who don’t do well with strong flow. Their small bodies are susceptible to being sucked into powerful filters. Aquarists will do well choosing adjustable filters and keeping the flow rate down.
Baffles may be necessary to reduce the strength of the current.
Substrate
Many aquarists keep their seahorse or pipefish tanks bare as it is easier to clean.
Another option is to use fine sand. Sand makes the tank look more natural while preventing the build-up of detritus.
Avoid larger substrates like crushed coral. They hold a lot of detritus and are more difficult to clean.
Decorations
Thin decorations are necessary for seahorses. They cling to items with their tails to feel safe. Seahorses appreciate thin pieces of coral, live rock, and other small items.
Pipefish are not as picky about their decorations. They spend most of their time active in the water column. They occasionally use their tails to cling to thin decorations near the bottom of the tank.
Provide pipefish with plenty of rocks. Rocks are good for exploring as they do in their natural habitat. Create caves, overhangs, and crevices in the rockwork for tiny organisms to hide.
Tank Mates
Seahorses and pipefish are extremely slow and peaceful animals. As a result, they can’t live with many animals. They are prime targets for many larger, aggressive species.
Being peaceful isn’t the only requirement for a good tank mate, either. Peaceful fish that are fast swimmers are unsuitable because they will eat all the food.
Seahorses and pipefish need plenty of time to suck up their food. They will starve to death while living with faster fish.
It’s usually best to keep these fish in species-only tanks so owners can ensure they’re well-fed and aren’t stressed.
Suitable tank mates are other slow-moving fish. The best fish are those that sit at the bottom of the tank.
Avoid crabs and shrimp, which will go after seahorse and pipefish tails. Starfish are not good because they are fast enough to catch and eat seahorses and pipefish. `
Suitable tank mates for seahorses and pipefish include:
- Other seahorses or pipefish
- Gobies
- Firefish
- Dragonets
- Corals*
Many large corals, like large polyp stony corals (LPS), do not work well with seahorses and pipefish. They won’t hesitate to eat the slow fish if they happen to wander into their tentacles.
Corals, in general, should be limited to pipefish and not seahorses. Smaller, branching corals can experience irritation from seahorses hitching to them constantly.
Animals that don’t work well with seahorses or pipefish include:
- Aggressive fish
- Fast fish
- Crabs
- Shrimp
- Anemones
- Large corals
- Starfish
Feeding
Feeding seahorses and pipefish is by far the most difficult part of caring for these animals. They are very picky animals. They will often starve themselves before accepting unfamiliar food.
Can You Feed Seahorses & Pipefish Frozen Food?
Many pipefish and seahorses are wild-caught. Individuals that come from the wild are nearly impossible to wean onto frozen food. Some hobbyists have success, though it takes a long time and lots of trial and error.
Aquarists must have live food while weaning their wild seahorses and pipefish.
Captive-bred seahorses and pipefish are becoming more popular. As a result, captive-bred individuals are more common.
Those born in captivity begin on frozen foods and are usually much more willing to accept them.
Suitable Live Foods
Live food is always the better option, even if aquarists can get their fish to accept frozen food.
Besides being picky eaters, seahorses and pipefish need a trigger. The motions of live food trigger their feeding response, prompting them to go on the hunt. Slow-falling, unmoving, frozen food simply does not trigger that feeding response.
Even finding the right live food to provide these animals is challenging. Their mouths are tiny and cannot suck up most common fish foods.
Live foods suitable for small seahorses and pipefish:
- Baby brine shrimp
- Daphnia
- Micro worms
- Amphipods
Live foods suitable for larger seahorses and pipefish:
- Baby brine shrimp
- Daphnia
- Micro worms
- Amphipods
- Copepods
- Adult brine shrimp
- Bloodworms
- Tubifex worms
Give Them Variety
Providing these animals with a variety of foods is vital.
Many new owners make the mistake of only feeding brine shrimp because they’re cheap and easy to breed. Unfortunately, brine shrimp don’t contain all the nutrients that these fish need.
Setting Up A Refugium
A refugium is an area separate from the main tank that shares the same water supply. Many hobbyists set these up in some area of their sump.
Refugiums allow small organisms to grow without worrying about predation.
Refugiums are great for seahorses and pipefish because they feed on tiny invertebrates. It can get expensive to buy food for seahorses and pipefish all the time.
Aquarists can raise their own invertebrates to feed their seahorses with a refugium.
The invertebrates live in the refugium away from the fish. Inside the refugium, they can reproduce and thrive.
The aquarist need only take out some invertebrates when they’re ready to feed.
Raising invertebrates in the tank with pipefish and seahorses is impossible. These tiny invertebrates are excellent hiders. They are no match for their predators, though. Seahorses and pipefish have ravenous appetites. They will decimate invertebrate populations in no time.
How Often Do They Need To Eat?
The interesting thing about pipefish and seahorses is that they don’t have stomachs. Their food passes through their bodies very quickly. They must eat several times a day in order not to starve.
In the wild, seahorses and pipefish feed constantly.
Constant feeding isn’t possible in captivity. Hobbyists must ensure they feed their animals at least three to four times daily.
Since they are slow eaters, food should remain available for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
Breeding
Maintaining the right conditions for these animals to reproduce can be very difficult. Still, with the right conditions and a bonded pair, hobbyists may have success.
These fish are social animals; keep six to 12 individuals in a tank for the best chance of copulation.
It’s generally easy to tell when a pair has bonded as they spend much time together. Seahorses and pipefish mate for life.
Once a pair chooses to mate, the female transfers her eggs to the male who incubates the fry in his pouch.
The fry is safe to stay in the same tank as their parents as long as there are no other species. Avoid filters, as they can suck up tiny seahorse or pipefish babies.
Aquarists must stock up on foods small enough for their fry to eat. The top food choices are micro worms, daphnia, copepods, and brine shrimp.
Common Health Problems
Seahorses and pipefish are sensitive animals more susceptible to disease. Fungal, bacterial, and parasitic infections are all common. Infections usually occur because of poor water conditions. Bad water quality stresses the fish and lowers their immune system.
Ich
Ich, or white spot disease, is an external parasite that covers a fish’s skin and gills. The parasites multiply and look like specks of salt. The parasites have complex life cycles that make them difficult to treat. The infection can spread quickly throughout the tank.
Symptoms of ich include:
- White, salt-like spots
- Rubbing or scratching against decorations (i.e., flashing)
- Bruising or scale loss
- Hiding
- Decreased appetite
- Labored breathing
- Sudden death
Marine Velvet
Marine velvet, or gold dust disease, is a parasitic infection.
The parasite is a dinoflagellate. They are one-celled organisms with whip-like appendages that help them swim.
The parasites attach to the skin and look like tiny gold spots. As the infection spreads, the “spots” grow thicker, appearing more like fuzzy velvet.
Often, fish do not show any symptoms of infection. By the time hobbyists notice their fish are sick, it is often too late to treat them.
Symptoms of marine velvet include:
- Inflamed and/or bleeding lungs
- Rapid breathing
- Labored breathing
- Lethargy
- Sudden death
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections can infect the bodies and eggs of fish. Marine fungi comprise masses of hyphae — thread-like filaments.
Fungi usually begin growing in the tank. Eventually, it can spread to the bodies and eggs of fish. It usually targets fish that are already sick, injured, or stressed.
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections can occur externally and internally.
Healthy fish with sound immune systems easily fight off bacteria. The bacteria targets sick or injured fish who are more susceptible.
Soft gill tissues, the fish’s lateral line pores, and open wounds are all targets for bacteria.
Symptoms of bacterial infections include:
- Red or frayed fins
- Red streaks through the fins
- Fin rot
- Red lines or spots around the lateral line
- Bloody scales
- Rapid breathing
- Open sores
- Pop eye
- Lethargy
- Bloating
FAQs
Are There Freshwater Pipefish?
There are freshwater pipefish species. They aren’t as abundant as their marine relatives.
Freshwater pipefish live in rivers and streams in only a few places worldwide. One of the places they are most common is the Gulf Coast of the United States.
Freshwater pipefish are nearly as difficult to care for as saltwater pipefish.
Many freshwater pipefish appear dull, while others are vibrant and colorful.
Are There Freshwater Seahorses?
There are no freshwater seahorse species; they all live in marine environments.
How Much Do Seahorses Cost?
The prices of seahorses range from about $50 to $500.
Seahorses aren’t very common in the aquarium industry due to their specialized care.
Even the more common species (like Hippocampus reidi) run hobbyists between $50 and $200. The rarer species (like Hippocampus barbouri) cost even more.
How Much Do Pipefish Cost?
Pipefish are significantly cheaper than seahorses, about $30 to $100.
The more common species, like dragonface or dragon pipefish, are on the lower end. More expensive pipefish include the rare rainbow belly pipefish.
Despite being difficult to care for, pipefish don’t cost very much. Their affordability is likely due to their low demand.
Most aquarists don’t want pipefish because they are as difficult as seahorses, yet not as pretty or fun to watch. Seahorses are by far the more popular species.
Freshwater pipefish are even cheaper, often selling for $25 to $50. Their price tag is high compared to most freshwater fish species. Their high price tag is likely because they are uncommon.
