Yellow Spotted Pipefish

The Yellow Spotted Pipefish is a pale grey colour. Its’ body has a pattern of yellow spots on its back, accompanied by either a combination of lines and spots or dark wavy lines on its side.

It also has diffuse body bars and a red tail. It is commonly found in shallow rubble lagoons, in a depth of only a few metres, among seagrasses and algae. Sightings regularly occur in the intertidal zone.

Similar to other pipefish is that this species is ovoviviparous. Like Seahorses the male bears the fertilised eggs, but underneath his tail in a brood pouch.

The Yellow-Spotted Pipefish is a small fish and can reach a maximum total length of 16 centimetres (6.3 in) length. Its’ lifespan in an aquarium is usually 5-10 years.

Tank Recommendations for Yellow Spotted Pipefish

These fish need a tank size of at least 114 litres (30 gallons).

Pipefish are most suited to a tank with generous quantities of coral, grass and rocks for them to hide in. They will also need places to shelter, so lots of overhangs and caves will be essential. The tank environment should be colourful and replicate their natural habitat.

Suitable Tank Buddies

These fish aren't compatible with a lot of other different species and so it's important not to put them in with unsuitable fish.

Usually Compatible

Pipefish are most suited to being kept in pairs or groups. Ideally, the tank should be a species only tank or co-habit with seahorses which are their relatives.

Sometime Compatible

An alternative option is for pipefish to be kept with small, shy fish such as firefish, small gobies or dragonets, but this is not recommended.

Rarely Compatible

Any fish with aggressive or territorial character traits are not suitable tank companions. Fish that move around rapidly are also unsuitable. Maroon clowns, clams and puffers should be avoided at all costs.

Feeding Your Yellow Spotted Pipefish

Yellow Spotted Pipefish are carnivorous, they feed by sucking in tiny crustaceans and plankton into their mouth. Other food that can be included in their diet includes copepods, amphipods and small shrimp.

Larger pipefish are able to consume small fish. They will need adequate lighting to eat as, apart from eyesight, they don’t rely on other senses to locate food.

It is recommended to feed pipefish small amounts, 3 times a day.

Live food will need to be varied to provide them with a balanced diet. Avoid food sources from a freshwater environment as these lack the unsaturated fatty acids found in organisms from a marine environment.

An aquarium with lots of macroalgae and large rocks can accommodate large pod populations and will help maintain a good diet for pipefish.