Pipe fish for warmer water?

[aquaph8]

My tank runs 78-79. Ive read a little info on pipes but almost everything I have read suggests colder water for them. Is there any that live in warmer water. Thanks

 

[namxas]

I'd go with either flagfins (Doryhamphus spp.), or DF's (Corythichys spp.) They do fine at those temps.

The dragon-faced have much smaller snouts and can sometimes be tuff to feed.

I'd recommend a mature tank with lots of LR and even some live macro for hunting.

 

[aquaph8]

Thanks for the tips Greg, appreciate it man.

 

[jeff@zina.com]

Most of the Florida natives will take higher temps as well. Chain, Gulf and Caribbean can handle higher temps. The Gulf Pipefish, s. scovelli, in particular can range from low 50F to mid 80F in natural settings. FWIW, they can also live in fresh water.

I have locally captured Gulf Pipefish with Dwarf Seahorses, h. zosterae, at 80-82F and doing fine. Of course the little buggers only eat live baby brine or copepods, and they're eating me out of house and home.

Jeff

 

[aquaph8]

Thats interesting Jeff, I had no idea they could live in fresh water. I keep Tuka's, I know all about eating you out of house and home but its fun in a lot of ways and the kids like watching the cultures with me.