Blue stripe pipefish

[Paul B]

I got this pair of blue stripes about 6 months ago and they are a no maintenance fish like a mandarin. My reef is very old so they can find their own food with no problems. Lately I have been hatching brine shrimp for them and my gobies and it is unbelievable how many of these such a skinny fish can eat. Since the addition of the shrimp the fish have been spawning nicely. As soon as I perfect my catching method I will try to raise some of the fry which I doubt I will even be able to see.
I will let you know if I catch any.
Paul

 

[techigirl78]

Very cool.

 

[equinecpa]

Paul;

I'm very interested in bluestripe pipefish. I currently have 2 males, so no breeding for me! But I'd be very interested to learn more.

Do you know how long they carry the eggs?

Have you seen the fry yet? If so, how big are they?

Thanks

Carolyn

 

[Paul B]

Carolyn, my male is definately carrying eggs. When they hatch I will not be able to see them. The eggs are about the size of brine shrimp eggs or a little smaller. The reef that they are in is 6' long and you could surf in it. There is no way I could catch him.
I will try to put a fine screen in my skimmer overflow and see if I can catch any when they hatch. I am not very optomistic because of their size. I had to use a powerful magnifying glass and wait a long time just to get the male to the front to see the eggs which are black. Bluestripe pipefish do not have a pouch and the eggs are carried in folds in his skin on his abdomin just before the tail. I think I would need the Hubble telescope to see the fry.
I will let you know if I catch anything but forget pictures, I can hardly get good pictures of the parents.
Paul