Description
Flame Pipefish (Doryrhamphus janssi)
(Also known as Janss’ Pipefish or Janss’ Cleaner Pipefish)
Overview
The Flame Pipefish is one of the most striking and sought-after species in the Syngnathidae family. It features a vivid orange-red body, bright blue head, and contrasting black-and-white tail tip, creating a truly eye-catching appearance. Growing up to 12 cm (4.5 inches) in length, this species is elegant but delicate, requiring a peaceful, mature reef system rich in natural microfauna.
Origin
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and the Great Barrier Reef. Commonly found in sheltered reef slopes and coral heads, often living in pairs near cleaning stations where they remove parasites from larger fish.
Feeding
The Flame Pipefish is a specialised micro-carnivore, feeding primarily on live plankton and tiny crustaceans. In captivity, they require frequent access to live foods and often do not adapt to frozen diets. Recommended foods include:
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Live copepods and amphipods (essential)
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Live enriched baby brine shrimp
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Live or freshly hatched mysis shrimp (if available)
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Occasional frozen cyclops or mysis for weaned individuals
Feed several small meals daily to maintain body weight and condition. A mature aquarium with an active refugiumis highly beneficial for sustaining natural food sources.
Tank Mates
Extremely peaceful and best suited to calm, non-aggressive reef tanks. 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 other gentle reef species
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Peaceful invertebrates (snails, cleaner shrimp, small hermits)
Avoid fast or aggressive feeders (e.g., tangs, wrasses, dottybacks) that will outcompete them for food.
Aggression
Completely peaceful. Can be kept singly or as a mated pair. Males may exhibit brief displays when defending small territories but rarely cause harm.
Experience Level
Advanced. The Flame Pipefish is delicate and best suited to experienced aquarists familiar with maintaining syngnathids. They require pristine water quality, stable parameters, and a consistent live food supply.
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 55 gallons (210L) for a pair; larger preferred for stable feeding and territory space
Provide plenty of live rock, gentle water flow, and shaded coral areas for shelter.
Reef Compatibility
Reef safe. Will not harm corals or invertebrates and makes a stunning addition to peaceful reef aquariums with refugiums and pod-rich ecosystems.
