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The long-snouted pipefish is a fascinating freshwater fish species that belongs to the Syngnathidae family, also known as the pipefish family. These slender fish have a long, thin snout that they use to suck up small crustaceans and other small invertebrates. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of the long-snouted pipefish, including its size and appearance, region, behavior, diet, and how to keep them at home.
Appearance
The long-snouted pipefish is a relatively small fish species, with males reaching a maximum length of about 40 centimeters. The body of the fish is long and thin, with a distinctive snout that is longer than the rest of the body. The dorsal fin is located towards the end of the body and is used for swimming, while the pectoral fins are small and used for steering.
The long-snouted pipefish is typically brown or gray in color, with a series of dark bands that run along the length of the body. The eyes are relatively large and located towards the top of the head.
Region
The long-snouted pipefish is widely distributed in Southeast Asia, where it can be found in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. It mainly lives in streams and rivers.
Behavior
Like all pipefish, the long-snouted pipefish is a slow-moving fish that spends most of its time hiding among the plants or other vegetation. They are not particularly social and prefer to live alone or in pairs. Males are responsible for carrying and fertilizing the eggs, which are deposited in a specialized pouch located on the underside of the tail.
Diet
The long-snouted pipefish feeds on small crustaceans and other invertebrates, which they suck up through their long snout. They are particularly fond of small shrimp worms, insects and their larva. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of frozen or live foods, including brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, bloodworms and artemia.
Keeping a Long-snouted pipefish at home
Keeping long-snouted pipefish in a home aquarium can be challenging, as they have very specific requirements. They require a tank that is at least 115 liters (30 gallons), with plenty of hiding places. The aquarium should be densely planted around the edges and in the background.
Long-snouted pipefish are not particularly aggressive, but they can be difficult to feed in captivity. They require live food, and sometimes may not eat frozen or prepared foods. It is important to provide a steady supply of live food to keep the pipefish healthy and well-fed.
In conclusion, the long-snouted pipefish is a fascinating and unique fish species that is native to Southeast Asia. They have a distinctive appearance, with a long, thin snout and a slender body. While they can be challenging to keep in captivity, with the right setup and diet, they can make a rewarding addition to a home aquarium.
| Scientific name | Doryichthys boaja |
| Type of aquarium | Freshwater |
| Size | Up to 40 cm / 16 inches |
| Region | Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam |
| Ideal tank size | 114 liters / 30 gallons |
| Ideal water temperature | 26-29 °C / 79-84 °F |
| pH | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Diet | Small crustaceans and invertebrates, especially worms, insects and their larva. |
| Reproduction | Male carries and fertilizes eggs in a specialized pouch |
| Schooling | Solitary or in pairs |
