Pipefish and an anemone

[teetimefun]

Could a blue striped pipefish (Doryrhamphus excisus) be placed with a rose bubble tip anemone? I would like to add an anemone to my reef tank but I do not want to lose a pipefish that I currently have.

 

[namxas]

IME, i had no trouble with flagfins and 'nems, but you kinda have to ask yourself what your tolerance for losing the pipefish is. since flagfins don't hitch or perch, they tend to do well in reef systems that house fairly aggressive coral/'nems.

the answer is "it's most likely OK, but not a sure thing".

 

[finsurgeon]

I had a pair of bluestripes for a year and a half in a 215 with a 12 inch bubble-tip and pair of maroon clowns. I lost the smaller of the pair when I introduced a Janssi, and the larger mate chose the Janssi over the smaller one, leading to death by depression in a few days. The mixed pair still thrive in my tank another year and a half later, still staying clear of the anemone.

 

[namxas]

i suspect the cause of death was more likely due to mixing Syngnathid species or some fighting behind the scenes rather than depression.