Broad Banded Pipefish

The Broad Banded Pipefish (Dunckerocampus boylei) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its elongated slender body with striking broad red-and-white bands, yellow-tipped snout, and graceful swimming style. Males typically develop a brood patch on the underside of their tail where they carry and protect eggs, while females/juveniles lack the pouch and may appear slimmer with slightly different body proportions. They reach about 6–7 inches in length and should be housed in aquariums of at least 50 gallons.

Provide ample live rock with caves and hiding spots, as well as open swimming areas. A fine sandbed helps replicate their natural environment. Maintain stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4), and always keep a secure lid as they may venture near the surface.

Diet should consist of live or frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, and other meaty micro-foods. They can be challenging to feed, often preferring live foods until acclimated. With proper care, this fish makes a rare and striking centerpiece in a peaceful or specialized reef aquarium.

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.