Naia Pipefish (Dunckerocampus naia)
Fish in the family Syngnathidae. Expert care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Naia Pipefish is a slender, elongated fish with a tubular snout and segmented body armor characteristic of syngnathids. Coloration is typically brown to tan with darker bands or mottling that provides camouflage in seagrass and rubble environments. The dorsal fin runs along most of the body, and the prehensile tail allows it to anchor to seagrass and coral branches.
Diet and feeding
Requires frequent feeding on small live or frozen foods including copepods, amphipods, mysis shrimp, and other small crustaceans. In captivity, offer enriched frozen foods multiple times daily to meet high metabolic needs.
Difficulty and care for the Naia Pipefish
The Naia Pipefish is a challenging species requiring expert-level husbandry. Success demands pristine water conditions, stable parameters, frequent small meals of appropriate live or frozen prey, and a calm, established aquarium with minimal competition from aggressive tankmates.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Bacterial infections, Parasitic infestations
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, found in tropical coral reef environments from the Red Sea through Southeast Asia to the Great Barrier Reef and beyond. Typically encountered in sheltered reef lagoons and protected coastal areas.
Log Naia 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 Naia Pipefish alongside everything else in your reef.
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