Dragonface pipefish protazoa or pregnant???

[D3monic_Urges]

I picked up a pair of dragonface pipefish today. Did a fresh water dip and they really werent reactive. The one that I assumed was the male has this dark bulg near/just above his anus. Does this look like protozoa or could he be pregnant with eggs?

Theres a yellowish fin/vent area that extends from this and can only assume its his pouch.....any thoughts? Hes in QT.

 

[heranatomy]

I can't help, but i've noticed one of mine having the same thing...I'm not sure if it/he is pregnant or...maybe they all have it.

I'll be watching this post for answers as well =D

 

[D3monic_Urges]

One has it and the other doesnt. Looking at it more it looks empty so maybe its a pouch. Perhaps he gave birth recently prior to purchase.

 

[D3monic_Urges]

Bump.

 

[D3monic_Urges]

I got the answer from Heinz Mahler aka HMA on another forum. Just what I was hoping.

"Hi D.

you are right, this is a pouch ...it is the brood pouch of a male, of a "pregnant" male. After the females have laid aside their unfertilized eggs in the brood pouch, the eggs are overgrown by a tissue that it supplies on the part of the "father" with oxygen and nutrients and regulates the breathing of the fry's. No disease, the guy is pregnant, that's all. These tissues of which I spoke, sometimes has the strangest colors that sometimes even can leed to confusion."

 

[landlord]

D3monic Urges - I got four DF pipes and one also has this dark patch that you spoke about. It almost looks as if he is expelling waste (poop). Good to hear that it is a brood pouch. Without know how long it's been there I am curious if you have determined how long before a release????

Kurt