Freshwater
Pipefish
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Freshwater Pipefish (Doryichthys martensii)
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Description
Doryichthys martensii is a true freshwater pipefish with a slender, eel-like body and a tube-like snout. It closely resembles its marine cousins and offers a fascinating alternative for aquarists seeking highly specialized species.
Difficulty Level
Expert Only
Region
Freshwater Pipefish (Doryichthys martensii)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Sensitive to water quality and feeding. Requires calm, species-specific setups and access to live food.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Some populations are wild-caught. Rare in the hobby and may be impacted by habitat loss in Southeast Asia.
Origin
Found in the slow-moving, vegetated streams and backwaters of Southeast Asia, including parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Prefers shallow, shaded waters with soft substrates.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Elongated, armored body with minimal fins, a delicate profile, and cryptic coloration ranging from olive to pale brown. Moves with stealth and elegance, often mistaken for aquatic plants or twigs.
Purpose
Functions as a highly specialized and educational display species. Offers a unique behavioral contrast to typical aquarium fish, ideal for those seeking a meditative or research-oriented tank.
Importance
Highly valued for their rarity and unusual morphology. Brings seahorse-like behavior into freshwater environments, but demands expert care and attention to feeding.
Included Resources
Requires live food (baby brine shrimp, daphnia, copepods), dense vegetation, and soft, tannin-rich water. Gentle sponge filtration is essential. Tall plants, leaf litter, and driftwood enrich their natural behavior.
Best Use Cases
Species-only tanks, freshwater pipefish research displays, or Southeast Asian blackwater biotopes. Not suitable for general community aquariums.
Conservation Context
Likely impacted by freshwater pollution and habitat destruction. Limited collection data exists, but captive propagation efforts are minimal. Promoting responsible care is essential to reduce wild pressure.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• None (species-only recommended)
• Possibly very calm shrimp or micro snails
• Avoid all active or aggressive species
Region (A)
• Latitude: 1.3521° N
• Longitude: 103.8198° E
(Singapore freshwater streams)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 6.2088° S
• Longitude: 106.8456° E
(Jakarta region, Java, Indonesia)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Freshwater Pipefish (Doryichthys martensii)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Sensitive to water quality and feeding. Requires calm, species-specific setups and access to live food.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Some populations are wild-caught. Rare in the hobby and may be impacted by habitat loss in Southeast Asia.
Origin
Found in the slow-moving, vegetated streams and backwaters of Southeast Asia, including parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Prefers shallow, shaded waters with soft substrates.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Elongated, armored body with minimal fins, a delicate profile, and cryptic coloration ranging from olive to pale brown. Moves with stealth and elegance, often mistaken for aquatic plants or twigs.
Purpose
Functions as a highly specialized and educational display species. Offers a unique behavioral contrast to typical aquarium fish, ideal for those seeking a meditative or research-oriented tank.
Importance
Highly valued for their rarity and unusual morphology. Brings seahorse-like behavior into freshwater environments, but demands expert care and attention to feeding.
Included Resources
Requires live food (baby brine shrimp, daphnia, copepods), dense vegetation, and soft, tannin-rich water. Gentle sponge filtration is essential. Tall plants, leaf litter, and driftwood enrich their natural behavior.
Best Use Cases
Species-only tanks, freshwater pipefish research displays, or Southeast Asian blackwater biotopes. Not suitable for general community aquariums.
Conservation Context
Likely impacted by freshwater pollution and habitat destruction. Limited collection data exists, but captive propagation efforts are minimal. Promoting responsible care is essential to reduce wild pressure.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• None (species-only recommended)
• Possibly very calm shrimp or micro snails
• Avoid all active or aggressive species
Region (A)
• Latitude: 1.3521° N
• Longitude: 103.8198° E
(Singapore freshwater streams)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 6.2088° S
• Longitude: 106.8456° E
(Jakarta region, Java, Indonesia)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Freshwater Pipefish (Doryichthys martensii)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Sensitive to water quality and feeding. Requires calm, species-specific setups and access to live food.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Some populations are wild-caught. Rare in the hobby and may be impacted by habitat loss in Southeast Asia.
Origin
Found in the slow-moving, vegetated streams and backwaters of Southeast Asia, including parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Prefers shallow, shaded waters with soft substrates.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Elongated, armored body with minimal fins, a delicate profile, and cryptic coloration ranging from olive to pale brown. Moves with stealth and elegance, often mistaken for aquatic plants or twigs.
Purpose
Functions as a highly specialized and educational display species. Offers a unique behavioral contrast to typical aquarium fish, ideal for those seeking a meditative or research-oriented tank.
Importance
Highly valued for their rarity and unusual morphology. Brings seahorse-like behavior into freshwater environments, but demands expert care and attention to feeding.
Included Resources
Requires live food (baby brine shrimp, daphnia, copepods), dense vegetation, and soft, tannin-rich water. Gentle sponge filtration is essential. Tall plants, leaf litter, and driftwood enrich their natural behavior.
Best Use Cases
Species-only tanks, freshwater pipefish research displays, or Southeast Asian blackwater biotopes. Not suitable for general community aquariums.
Conservation Context
Likely impacted by freshwater pollution and habitat destruction. Limited collection data exists, but captive propagation efforts are minimal. Promoting responsible care is essential to reduce wild pressure.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• None (species-only recommended)
• Possibly very calm shrimp or micro snails
• Avoid all active or aggressive species
Region (A)
• Latitude: 1.3521° N
• Longitude: 103.8198° E
(Singapore freshwater streams)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 6.2088° S
• Longitude: 106.8456° E
(Jakarta region, Java, Indonesia)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Freshwater Pipefish (Doryichthys martensii)
Region
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