Samoan Pipefish (Halicampus mataafae)
Fish in the family Syngnathidae. Hard care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
Halicampus mataafae is a small, slender pipefish with an elongated tubular snout and segmented body typical of the Syngnathidae family. Coloration is generally mottled brown to tan with lighter markings, allowing camouflage in seagrass and reef environments. The body exhibits the characteristic seahorse-like posture with a prehensile tail.
Diet and feeding
Feed small live foods such as copepods, amphipods, and small mysid shrimp. May accept frozen preparations of similar size once acclimated, though live zooplankton is strongly preferred for sustained health.
Difficulty and care for the Samoan Pipefish
The Samoan Pipefish is challenging due to its specialized dietary requirements (live zooplankton), slow feeding behavior, and sensitivity to aggressive tank mates. Success requires stable conditions and abundant live food cultures.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin Rot, Swim Bladder Disease, Columnaris, Velvet Disease
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific, specifically documented from Samoa and surrounding tropical Pacific waters. Found in shallow reef and seagrass habitats in warm Indo-Pacific regions.
Log Samoan 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 Samoan Pipefish alongside everything else in your reef.
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