Whitenose Pipefish

The Whitenose Pipefish (Cosmocampus albirostris) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its slender body, distinctive white-tipped snout, subtle brown and cream coloration, and elegant hovering swimming behavior. Males typically carry fertilized eggs in a brood pouch along the underside of their tail until they hatch, while females/juveniles are slightly smaller, lack the pouch, and display similar coloration with less pronounced markings. They reach about 5–6 inches in length and should be housed in aquariums of at least 40 gallons.

Provide ample live rock with 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, as they are prone to jumping.

Diet should consist of live or frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and other small meaty foods. They are delicate feeders and may require live foods initially. With proper care, this fish makes a subtle yet elegant addition to a peaceful marine or 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.