Gray's Pipefish (Halicampus grayi)
Fish in the family Syngnathidae. Hard care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
Gray's Pipefish is a slender, tube-like fish with a long, segmented body typical of syngnathids. It displays subtle brown, tan, or grayish coloration with fine banding patterns along its body, allowing it to blend with seagrass and algae. The fish has a small, tubular mouth and prehensile tail used for anchoring to vegetation.
Diet and feeding
Feed small live foods such as copepods, amphipods, and newly hatched brine shrimp (nauplii). May accept frozen equivalents if trained. Feeding 2–3 times daily in small amounts is essential to meet their high metabolic needs.
Difficulty and care for the Gray's Pipefish
Gray's Pipefish is a challenging species requiring stable water conditions, specialized live foods, and a calm environment. They are best suited for experienced aquarists with established reef systems and the ability to consistently provide appropriate prey items.
Common health issues
Starvation, inability to compete for food, poor water quality stress, parasitic infections
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, found in shallow coastal waters from Indonesia and the Philippines westward through Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, ranging from Indonesia to parts of tropical Asia.
Log Gray's 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 Gray's Pipefish alongside everything else in your reef.
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