African Freshwater Pipefish

Microphis brachyurus is a freshwater pipefish distributed across the Indo-Pacific and West African coastal regions, making it one of the very few syngnathids that inhabit fresh water for part or all of their lives. Like marine pipefish, males brood the eggs on a ventral pouch. It is a highly specialised feeder requiring live or freshly thawed copepods, baby brine shrimp, and small invertebrates.

Water: 22–27°C, pH 7.0–8.0, medium to moderately hard; brackish tolerance can be useful for acclimation. Tank: Minimum 80L; tall tank with upright plant stems and roots to anchor against; gentle flow. Feeding: Live baby brine shrimp, copepods, daphnia, and small live invertebrates; will not accept dry food. Behaviour: Slow-moving ambush predator; completely peaceful but will consume any invertebrate small enough to fit in its tube-mouth. Compatibility: Species tank or with very peaceful mid/surface fish; no shrimp or small fish as they will be eaten.