Description
Hawaiian Flame Pipefish (Dunckerocampus baldwini)
(Also known as Baldwin’s Pipefish or Red Striped Pipefish)
Overview
The Hawaiian Flame Pipefish is a rare and highly prized member of the Syngnathidae family, known for its vibrant crimson-red body adorned with narrow white vertical stripes and a contrasting yellow snout and tail. Reaching around 15 cm (6 inches) in length, it is among the most beautiful and elusive pipefish species available in the marine trade. Its graceful swimming and striking coloration make it a showpiece species, though it requires expert care, a peaceful environment, and a consistent supply of live microfauna.
Origin
Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and occasionally found around Johnston Atoll. In the wild, this pipefish inhabits shallow reef slopes, caves, and coral rubble zones, often staying close to ledges or crevices where it finds protection and hunts for small crustaceans.
Feeding
The Hawaiian Flame Pipefish is a specialist micro-carnivore, feeding almost exclusively on live zooplankton and tiny crustaceans. In captivity, it will thrive only in a mature, pod-rich aquarium or one supplemented with live foods. Diet should include:
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Live copepods and amphipods (essential)
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Live enriched baby brine shrimp
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Live mysis or small feeder shrimp (occasional)
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Frozen cyclops or mysis shrimp (for individuals trained to accept non-live foods)
Feed small, frequent meals (2–3 times daily) to prevent weight loss. A refugium connected to the display tank is highly recommended for maintaining live food populations.
Tank Mates
Extremely peaceful and should be kept only with gentle, slow-moving species. Ideal companions include:
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Seahorses and other pipefish
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Gobies and blennies
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Firefish, cardinalfish, and small reef-safe species
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Peaceful invertebrates such as snails, hermits, and shrimp
Avoid all aggressive or fast-feeding fish (wrasses, tangs, triggers, dottybacks) that may outcompete or intimidate them.
Aggression
Completely peaceful. Can be kept singly or as a mated pair, where they may exhibit gentle courtship behaviour. Males brood eggs on the underside of their body, similar to seahorses.
Experience Level
Advanced to expert. The Hawaiian Flame Pipefish is delicate, requires pristine water conditions, and must have access to live foods. Due to its rarity and specialised diet, it is best suited for expert aquarists experienced with syngnathids.
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Salinity: 1.022–1.025 SG
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Hardness (dKH): 8–12
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Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons (280L) for a pair; larger systems preferred for stability and food supply
Provide plenty of live rock, gentle current, and shaded hiding spots among corals or caves.
Reef Compatibility
Reef safe. Completely safe with corals and invertebrates but requires a peaceful, pod-rich reef environment without heavy competition for food.
