Greater Pipefish (Syngnathus acus)

Fish in the family Syngnathidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.

Quick facts

Scientific nameSyngnathus acus

FamilySyngnathidae

Also known asBistra, Agulleta, Pesce Ago, Syngnathe, Urisignien, Deniz Ignesi, Orratz Handi, Garennou Bras, Grote Zeenaald, Peshkagjylpana, Grosse Seenadel, Syngnathe Aiguille, Grand Tuyau De Pipe, Grande Aiguille De Mer

Care levelModerate

Reef safetyReef Safe

TemperamentPeaceful

Dietcarnivore

Adult size24 in

Minimum tank size40 gallons

Water parametersTemperature: 59-72°F pH: 8-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.027

Feeding schedule2-3 times daily

Appearance

Syngnathus acus is a slender, elongated pipefish with a trumpet-like snout and a long, needle-like body. Coloration ranges from greenish-brown to yellowish-grey with darker mottling and often a reddish or orange tint along the sides.

Diet and feeding

Feed live or frozen small copepods, amphipods, mysid shrimp, and other small crustaceans. Offer food 2-3 times daily in small quantities. These fish have small mouths and require appropriately-sized prey items.

Difficulty and care for the Greater Pipefish

Advanced - Requires experienced care due to sensitive nature specific habitat needs or complex dietary requirements. Best for expert aquarists.

Common health issues

Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Hole-in-the-head, Columnaris disease

Origin and habitat

Eastern Atlantic Ocean and North Sea, from southern Scandinavia and the British Isles south to the western Mediterranean.

Log Greater 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 Greater Pipefish alongside everything else in your reef.

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