bluestripe pipefish

[danfrith]

Hi, I was just wondering if any of you have ever seen or owned a bluestripe pipefish (doryrhamphus excisus) that was 8 inches or longer? IME the biggest one I have ever seen is 3 inches long. I do know the other doryrhamphus species have the potential to get that long but not doryrhamphus exicus.
thank you.

 

[panmanmatt]

bluestripe pipefish is a common name given to many species. Depending on which species they are referring to and IF it can be correctly ID'd. Some species will definitely reach 6-8 inches.

 

[iamwhatiam52]

Doryrhamphus excisus supposedly gets up to only 3 inches, but I've never seen one over 2. A pair in my tank for 9 months are less than 2 inches and do not seem to be growing.

 

[waterfaller1]

I have kept them for years, 3" is about the max for mine.

 

[chicagodog]

Just got my blue stripe, is that a Male in the pic?? Mine has bumps on the snout like that, wanted to confirm. Great looking little guy.

CD

 

[waterfaller1]

Yep..those bumps are hard to see..at least for this old woman.
I have a pair..love them. Good luck with yours.

 

[danfrith]

I've had my pair for atleast 5 months and they seem to be done growing at about 2 1/2 inches. But I asked the liveaquaria guy, and he said in the right conditions they can get 8 inches long. The thread is in the liveaquaria.com sonsor forum.

 

[Samala]

Perhaps he is hedging just in case they turn out to be a different species that does max out at eight inches. (?) Its easier to accomodate fish that stay smaller than you plan to house, than the other way around. Well, typically.

>Sarah

 

[danfrith]

Good point Samala.