Introduce an extraordinary and rare aquatic species to your collection with the Freshwater Pipefish (Enneacampus ansorgii), a slender and graceful fish known for its seahorse-like appearance and fascinating behavior. Measuring 5–6 cm when sold (adults can grow up to 15 cm), this species offers an unmatched aesthetic appeal for aquarists seeking something truly unique.

Freshwater Pipefish are related to seahorses and share their delicate structure and specialized care needs. They require a peaceful environment, high water quality, and a live-food diet to thrive, making them suitable for experienced aquarists or enthusiasts of rare fish species.

✅ Key Features

• Size: 5–6 cm (juvenile), up to 15 cm adult

• Temperament: Peaceful but delicate

• Care Level: Advanced (special feeding and tank conditions)

• Lifespan: 3–5 years under proper care

• Unique Trait: Seahorse-like body and slow swimming pattern

Care Guide for Freshwater Pipefish

✅ Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 40 liters (10 gallons) for a single specimen, larger for a pair or group

• Aquascape: Dense vegetation, fine-leaved plants, and hiding spots (Java moss, floating plants)

• Lighting: Low to moderate lighting preferred

• Flow: Gentle water flow to mimic natural habitat

Provide plenty of calm spaces because pipefish are slow swimmers and easily outcompeted for food in busy tanks.

✅ Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22°C – 28°C (72°F – 82°F)

• pH Level: 6.5 – 7.5

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

• Filtration: Gentle filtration, stable and clean water conditions

• Water Changes: 20–30% weekly to maintain excellent water quality

✅ Feeding Habits

Freshwater Pipefish are micro-predators with a strong preference for live foods due to their narrow, tubular snouts and unique feeding method (suction feeding).

• Recommended Diet:

  • Live brine shrimp

  • Daphnia

  • Copepods

  • Microworms

  • Baby shrimp (newly hatched)

They rarely accept frozen or dry foods, so consistent access to live food is crucial. Feed small portions multiple times a day for best results.

✅ Tank Mates

Pipefish are extremely peaceful and slow eaters, so choose tank mates carefully to avoid stress and competition.

Ideal Tank Mates:

• Small, calm species like Endler’s guppies or peaceful rasboras

• Freshwater shrimp and snails

• Other pipefish in a species-only setup

Avoid: Aggressive, fast, or food-competitive fish (e.g., barbs, cichlids, large tetras).

✅ Behavior & Breeding

• Behavior: Pipefish swim slowly, often near plants, mimicking their environment to avoid predators.

• Breeding: Similar to seahorses, males carry eggs in a brood pouch. Requires specialized conditions and live food for fry survival.

Why Choose Freshwater Pipefish?

• Unique and exotic species for advanced hobbyists

• Graceful swimming and unusual appearance make them a conversation starter

• Ideal for species-only or specialized display tanks

• A rare find for serious collectors

✅ Perfect for expert aquarists seeking rare and fascinating species
✅ Provides a one-of-a-kind aquascaping experience