Yellow Multi Banded Pipefish

The Yellow Multi Banded Pipefish (Dunckerocampus pessuliferus) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its slender body adorned with multiple vibrant yellow and red bands, elongated snout, and graceful hovering movements. Males typically develop a brood pouch along the underside of their tail where they carry fertilized eggs until hatching, while females/juveniles are slightly smaller, lack the pouch, and display the same colorful banding in a less pronounced form. 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 crevices for hiding, open swimming areas, 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, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, and other small meaty foods. They can be selective feeders and often require live foods during initial acclimation. With proper care, this fish makes a striking and colorful 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.