Glittering Pipefish (Halicampus nitidus)
Fish in the family Syngnathidae. Hard care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
Halicampus nitidus is a small, slender pipefish with an elongated body encased in bony plating. It displays a shimmering, iridescent coloration that may range from greenish to yellowish-brown, with a glittering appearance that gives the species its common name. Like all syngnathids, it has a tubular snout and a prehensile tail.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, feed small live foods such as copepods, amphipods, and newly-hatched brine shrimp (nauplii). Frozen preparations of these prey items may be accepted with patience. Multiple small feedings per day are necessary to meet their high metabolic demands.
Difficulty and care for the Glittering Pipefish
The Glittering Pipefish is a challenging species requiring stable water conditions, a well-established refugium for live food production, and meticulous feeding protocols. Best suited for experienced aquarists with dedicated live-food cultures.
Common health issues
Starvation, malnutrition, poor water quality, parasitic infection
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, found in seagrass meadows and shallow coastal areas from Indonesia to Australia, including parts of the Great Barrier Reef. Known from Indonesia and surrounding regions.
Log Glittering Pipefish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Glittering Pipefish alongside everything else in your reef.
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