Pipefish Alligator

The Alligator Pipefish usually has body colour which matches its surroundings. This is generally brown, green, or grey. Females often have blotches, sometimes with a white zigzag on their abdomen. The body is long and thin, and the head has a thin snout with a pair of small tentacles on the tip of it. The tail is thin and shaped for anchoring to plants.

The male Alligator Pipefish is larger than the female. It is believed a mating pair will have a monogamous relationship. Breeding occurs when the females produce between 60-200 eggs. The male keeps the eggs on his brood pouch until they hatch.

This species' natural environment is in Indo-Pacific locations. From South and East Africa to the Red Sea, India, Indonesia, and Australia. They are found in estuaries, bays, lagoons, reef flats, and seagrass meadows. Usually within depths of 5 metres or less.

Tank Recommendations for the Alligator Pipefish/h3>

Alligator Pipefish need a tank that is at least 40 gallons (151 litres).

This species is reef safe as long as it doesn't contain aggressive invertebrates, corals or anemones. A suitable aquarium should have plenty of live rock, with ornaments and plants to anchor to.

Aquarium water should be calm. In a reef tank watch the current to make sure it isn't too strong for the Pipefish.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Alligator Pipefish have a peaceful temperament. They can be kept singly or as a mated pair.

It is best suited to a species only tank, as more active, aggressive fish can cause stress and sickness.

Usually Compatible

It is difficult for Pipefish to cohabit with most other fish. They are slow movers and may get out-competed for food. A species only tank is most suitable, but Seahorses and Dragonets should also be ok to share a tank.

Sometime Compatible

Invertebrates, Dartfish, Gobies, and Jawfish will all need monitoring.

Rarely Compatible

Avoid most fish species, especially semi-aggressive and aggressive fish.

Feeding Your Regal Angelfish

Alligator Pipefish are carnivores. A suitable diet should contain vitamin-enriched mysis shrimp, tiny fish, and amphipods. They consume tiny invertebrates by sucking them into their mouth whole.