Chain Pipefish

The Chain Pipefish (Syngnathus louisianae) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its slender body patterned with a chain-like series of interlocking dark markings along a pale background, camouflaging appearance, and graceful swimming style. Males typically develop a brood pouch under their tail where they carry and protect fertilized eggs until hatching, while females/juveniles lack the pouch and are slimmer in body shape. They reach about 12–15 inches in length and should be housed in aquariums of at least 75 gallons.

Provide ample live rock with hiding spots, open swimming areas, and a soft sandbed to replicate their natural habitat. Maintain stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4), and ensure a secure lid to prevent escape.

Diet should consist of live or frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, and other small meaty foods, though they often require live foods initially and can be challenging to feed. With proper care, this fish makes a rare and fascinating addition to large, peaceful marine aquariums.

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.