Pipefish Red Face 12cm

Pipefish Red Face

The Red Face Pipefish is one of the more unusual freshwater oddballs in the aquarium hobby and is sure to grab attention with its unique appearance and behaviour. Native to slow-moving and brackish waters of Southeast Asia, this slender, almost dragon-like species is part of the same family as seahorses and shares many fascinating traits, including the iconic brood pouch used by males to carry eggs.

The long and slender shape of the pipefish adds a really interesting dynamic aquarium as they drift around the water, almost looking like a loose stem floating around. Aesthetically, the Red Face Pipefish is both cryptic and striking. Their long, narrow bodies are camouflaged in earthy tones of brown and olive with subtle striping that allows them to blend in perfectly with aquatic vegetation and driftwood. What sets this species apart is the vivid reddish-orange flush that runs across the face and snout, particularly in dominant males or during the breeding season. Their delicate, eel-like movement and upright posturing as they hover near the substrate or plants give them an almost mythical vibe in a well-scaped tank.

Breeding is one of the most fascinating aspects of this species. Like seahorses, it’s the males that carry the fertilised eggs in a special brood pouch until they hatch. However, successful reproduction in captivity is rare and requires extremely specific conditions, including stable water parameters, live food availability, and low stress. Pairs are best formed by raising groups of juveniles and allowing them to select mates naturally.

Tank Recommendations for your Pipefish Red Face

Pipefish require a calm, peaceful aquarium with stable water conditions and plenty of live plants or fine structures to anchor themselves. A tank of at least 90 litres is recommended for a pair or small group, with very low flow and dim to moderate lighting. A sand substrate is ideal, and decorations like fine-leaved plants, roots, and branching driftwood will help them feel secure. Although they are sometimes found in brackish environments, they can be kept in freshwater long-term if well-acclimated and carefully maintained.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Due to their extremely peaceful and slow behaviour the red-faced pipefish is best kept alone. They also require multiple feedings throughout the day, and they can get easily outcompeted with other tank mates. If the choice is made to keep them with tank mates, it should only be species that can act as a clean-up crew or equally slow fish. 

Usually Compatible

Borneo Suckers, pearl danios, shrimp, and snails what will not outcompete the freshwater pipefish.

Sometimes Compatible

Pygmy Corydoras, endler guppy, and zebra danios, and other species, which pose a minimal but potential risk of outcompeting these pipefish.   

Rarely Compatible

Any fast-moving species, such as black widow tetras, Congo tetras, or aggressive species like red tail sharks will absolutely outcompete and even nip at the freshwater pipefish. 

Feeding your Pipefish Red Face

Much like their ocean cousins, the seahorses, the red-faced pipefish require regular feedings throughout the day to cope with their incredibly fast digestive system. Feeding them a variety of foods that will be suspended in the water column such as live baby brine shrimp, grindal worms, frozen mysis shrimp, copepods, and similar species, would be best. A minimum of 2 feedings is required and this can at times overwhelm the filtration in the aquarium leading to nitrate or ammonia spikes so it is always recommended to have ample filtration in the tank.