Banded Pipefish

The Banded Pipefish (Dunckerocampus dactyliophorus) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its striking black-and-white banded body with a long slender shape, red snout, and unique resemblance to seahorses. Males typically carry eggs on a specialized brood pouch located under their tail, while females/juveniles are slimmer, slightly smaller, and do not develop the pouch. They reach about 7–8 inches in length and should be housed in aquariums of at least 50 gallons.

Provide live rock with caves and hiding spots along with open swimming space, a fine sandbed, and stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4). A secure lid is necessary since they may swim near the surface.

Diet should consist of live or frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, and other small meaty foods, though they can be challenging to wean onto frozen or prepared diets. With proper care, this fish makes a graceful and standout addition to the aquarium, especially in peaceful community or reef tanks.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.