Northern Pipefish (Syngnathus fuscus)

Northern pipefish (Syngnathus fuscus) are an attractive species of pipefish that inhabits coastal waters from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Mexico. They can be found throughout the shallow, vegetated waters of bays, estuaries, and rivers. Much like seahorses, their close relatives, the males carry the fertilized eggs in a brood pouch and then give birth to fully-formed offspring. Northern pipefish are common amongst aquatic vegetation where they feed upon zooplankton, amphipods, copepods, and other small invertebrates. 

Northern pipefish are an attractive and adaptable species of pipefish that I strongly believe deserves a lot more attention from hobbyists. As an estuarine species they are tolerant of a wide range of salinities and have even be known to enter freshwater occasionally. While several other species of Syngnathus, typically sub-tropical/tropical species from the south, are available with some regularly in the aquarium trade, S. fuscus doesn’t seem to be available often at all. Pipefish usually prefer live foods initially, but will often grow to accept frozen foods. I’ve been very successful at feeding the commonly available Tigriopus copepods, which typically establish well in temperate brackish and marine aquaria. Additionally, I also feed newly hatched brine shrimp, frozen/thawed daphnia & mysis shrimp, and live amphipods.

Origin: Currently available fish are field-collected. 

Care Level: Intermediate. 

Salinity (SG): 1.005-1.026. Mid or high-end brackish may be ideal long-term.

Diet: Small invertebrates/zooplankton. Must eat frequently and should have daily access to food. Brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, amphipods, daphnia, copepods, and similar. It is a good idea to provide a varied diet. 

Adult Size: 6”-8” is typical. 

pH: 7.5-8.5

Water Temp: 60-80F. Under 78F is ideal. 

Other Care Preferences: Tankmates should be chosen wisely as pipefish are easily stressed. Other fish may bully them out of food. Great tankmates for seahorses. 

NEVER release your fish into the wild or stock public waterways without permission from a government agency!

*We are a licensed dealer and propagator of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and fish in the state of Pennsylvania. All of our native and game fish (including bullfrogs, northern green frogs, and their tadpoles) come from licensed dealers and propagators with proof of receipt (available upon request to government agencies only). We WILL NOT under ANY circumstance sell any herptiles or fish collected from the commonwealth of PA, so please do not ask!*

Live northern pipefish (Syngnathus fuscus) for sale at MJS Reptiles. Live tropical and North American fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates for sale online and shipped right to your front door!