Double Ended Pipefish

The Double Ended Pipefish (Trachyrhamphus bicoarctatus) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its elongated body with a unique double-ended appearance, subtle coloration with reddish and brown hues, and graceful hovering movements. Males typically carry eggs in a brood pouch located beneath their tail until they hatch, while females/juveniles lack the pouch and are slightly smaller and slimmer. They reach about 8–10 inches in length and should be housed in aquariums of at least 60 gallons.

Provide ample live rock with caves and hiding spots, a fine sandbed, and open swimming areas. Maintain stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4), and ensure a secure lid since they are prone to jumping.

Diet should consist of live or frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and other small meaty foods. They can be selective feeders and may require live foods until fully acclimated. With proper care, this fish makes a distinctive and elegant addition to a peaceful marine 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.