Short-tailed pipefish (Microphis brachyurus brachyurus)

Scientific name: Microphis brachyurus brachyurus Bleeker, 1853

Short-tailed pipefish (Microphis brachyurus brachyurus)

The Short-tailed pipefish (Microphis brachyurus brachyurus) is a freshwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows to about 22 cm (8.7 in). It is peaceful, is best kept in a species tank and needs a tank of at least 150 L (40 US gal), water at 24–28°C (75–82°F) and a pH of 7.0–8.0. Native range: Africa, East coast from Kenya south to Natal area.

Short-tailed pipefish care at a glance

Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
Not suitable
Adult size
22 cm (8.7 in)
Minimum tank
150 L (40 US gal)
Temperature
24–28°C (75–82°F)
pH
7.0–8.0
Hardness
12–18 dGH (214–321 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts live foods.

Biology

Occurs in relatively shallow (25-150 cm), still to slow-flowing water. Inhabits freshwater streams, rivers and estuaries. Juveniles and subadults are usually found in estuaries while adults are found upstream in freshwater areas. Feeds on worms, crustaceans and zooplankton. Ovoviviparous. The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail. Not seen in markets

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Microphis brachyurus brachyurus
Family
Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses)
Order
Syngnathiformes (Pipefishes and Seahorses)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
22.0
Environment
Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal; anadromous
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Asia and Oceania: Sri Lanka, southern India, Nicobar Islands and eastward to Japan and the Society Islands Records from Puerto Rico and USA need confirmation. Africa: east coast from Kenya south to Natal area. Also Madagascar and Mauritius. Africa: C?te d'Ivoire. Western Atlantic: Atlantic coast of Florida, Bahamas, northern and southern Gulf of Mexico, Antilles, central and south American coasts to Brazil.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

More other freshwater fish

See all other freshwater fish

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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