Gulf Pipefish

The Gulf Pipefish (Syngnathus scovelli) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its slender, elongated body with subtle brown and green tones, intricate banding patterns, and elegant hovering swimming behavior. Males typically carry fertilized eggs in a brood pouch along the underside of the tail until they hatch, while females/juveniles are slightly smaller, lack the brood pouch, and exhibit similar coloration in a less pronounced form. They reach about 6–8 inches in length and should be housed in aquariums of at least 40 gallons.

Provide live rock with crevices for hiding, patches of macroalgae or artificial plants for cover, open swimming space, and a fine sandbed. Maintain stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4), and ensure a secure lid, as they may jump.

Diet should consist of live or frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and other small meaty foods. They are delicate feeders and often require live foods initially. With proper care, this fish makes a peaceful and unique addition to community or reef 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