Bluestripe Pipefish - Doryrhamphus excisus

Bluestripe Pipefish (Doryrhamphus excisus)

The Bluestripe Pipefish is a slender and distinctive marine fish recognised for its bright blue horizontal stripe, orange to reddish body and elongated tubular snout. Graceful and unusual in appearance, it spends much of its time moving close to rockwork and reef structure while searching for tiny crustaceans and other small prey. Although generally peaceful and reef safe, it is a specialist feeder that is best suited to mature aquariums with abundant natural microfauna and calm tankmates.

Common Name:
Bluestripe Pipefish, Blue Stripe Pipefish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Doryrhamphus excisus

Maximum Size:
Approximately 7 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Bluestripe Pipefish occurs across tropical Indo-Pacific reef environments and is associated with coral reefs, rocky crevices, caves and sheltered reef structure.

It typically remains close to rockwork where it can forage for copepods and other tiny crustaceans while using narrow crevices for shelter.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Peaceful

Bluestripe Pipefish are generally peaceful towards other suitable reef fish and should be kept with calm, non-aggressive tankmates.

Fast or boisterous species can outcompete them for food, so careful tankmate selection is important.

Diet:
Carnivore / Micro-predator / Specialist Feeder

The Bluestripe Pipefish naturally feeds on very small crustaceans and zooplankton.

In the aquarium, a mature population of copepods and other microfauna is highly beneficial. Offer enriched live or frozen copepods, newly hatched brine shrimp, finely chopped mysis and other very small meaty foods.

Several small feeds throughout the day are preferable, and newly introduced individuals should be monitored closely to ensure they are feeding consistently.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 100 litres

A mature aquarium with abundant live rock, sheltered areas and a reliable source of natural microfauna is more important than volume alone.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Bluestripe Pipefish is a relatively gentle swimmer that spends much of its time close to rockwork, caves and reef structure.

It uses its narrow snout to pick tiny prey from surfaces and within crevices.

This species may also display cleaning behaviour towards larger reef fish, removing small external parasites or debris where suitable interactions occur.

Provide plenty of sheltered areas and avoid excessively strong direct flow that may make feeding difficult.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe

The Bluestripe Pipefish is generally considered reef safe and does not normally damage healthy corals, clams or established ornamental invertebrates.

Its feeding behaviour focuses on tiny crustaceans and microfauna rather than coral tissue, making it suitable for mature reef aquariums.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
A mature, biologically established marine aquarium is strongly recommended.

A healthy population of copepods and other microfauna can be particularly important, especially during the initial acclimation period.

Avoid aggressive, fast-feeding or highly territorial tankmates that may intimidate the pipefish or prevent it from obtaining enough food.

Several small meals throughout the day can help maintain good body condition.

Strong filtration and stable water chemistry are important, but water flow should include calmer areas where the pipefish can feed comfortably.

Careful quarantine and observation are recommended, as pipefish can be sensitive to transport stress and may arrive reluctant to accept prepared foods.

Suitable for:
Experienced

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.