Freshwater
Pipefish
More details
Toothpick Fish (Indostomus paradoxus)
Pro
Pro
Description
A rare, micro-sized pipefish relative from Southeast Asia, the Toothpick Fish is a shy, cryptic species known for its slender, pencil-like body and secretive behavior. Best kept by seasoned nano-aquarists.
Difficulty Level
Expert Only
Region
Toothpick Fish (Indostomus paradoxus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Sensitive to water quality and requires live food. Prefers species-only or carefully curated nano tanks with stable conditions.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Collected from slow-flowing habitats in Myanmar. Not bred widely in captivity, so wild populations may be impacted by trade.
Origin
Native to slow-moving, shaded streams in Myanmar, particularly within the Irrawaddy River Basin. Found among leaf litter and marginal vegetation.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Extremely slender and semi-transparent, it resembles a drifting twig or pin. Moves with jerky, hovering motions. Subtle but mesmerizing when observed closely.
Purpose
A fascinating micro-predator that feeds on tiny invertebrates. Serves as a centerpiece in highly specialized nano tanks and Southeast Asian biotopes.
Importance
Highly sought after by nano-fish enthusiasts for its rarity and behavior. Adds biodiversity and supports microfaunal observation in small-scale setups.
Included Resources
Requires dense vegetation, mosses, low flow, and ample biofilm. Sponge filtration and tannin-rich water are ideal. Needs live microfauna like copepods, BBS, or microworms.
Best Use Cases
Nano aquascapes with shrimp, micro rasboras, or solo-species displays. Works in blackwater layouts and biotope recreations of Southeast Asian streambanks.
Conservation Context
Not commonly captive-bred. Harvest pressure exists in its native range. Maintaining well-documented captive populations is encouraged.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Dwarf shrimp (e.g. Neocaridina)
• Boraras species (e.g. chili rasbora)
• Kuhli loaches (in larger setups)
• Snails and biofilm grazers
• Other Indostomus species (in groups)
Region (A)
• Latitude: 20.1624° N
• Longitude: 94.9186° E
(Chindwin River Basin, northern Myanmar)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 17.2000° N
• Longitude: 96.1333° E
(Streams near Yangon, southern Myanmar)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Toothpick Fish (Indostomus paradoxus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Sensitive to water quality and requires live food. Prefers species-only or carefully curated nano tanks with stable conditions.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Collected from slow-flowing habitats in Myanmar. Not bred widely in captivity, so wild populations may be impacted by trade.
Origin
Native to slow-moving, shaded streams in Myanmar, particularly within the Irrawaddy River Basin. Found among leaf litter and marginal vegetation.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Extremely slender and semi-transparent, it resembles a drifting twig or pin. Moves with jerky, hovering motions. Subtle but mesmerizing when observed closely.
Purpose
A fascinating micro-predator that feeds on tiny invertebrates. Serves as a centerpiece in highly specialized nano tanks and Southeast Asian biotopes.
Importance
Highly sought after by nano-fish enthusiasts for its rarity and behavior. Adds biodiversity and supports microfaunal observation in small-scale setups.
Included Resources
Requires dense vegetation, mosses, low flow, and ample biofilm. Sponge filtration and tannin-rich water are ideal. Needs live microfauna like copepods, BBS, or microworms.
Best Use Cases
Nano aquascapes with shrimp, micro rasboras, or solo-species displays. Works in blackwater layouts and biotope recreations of Southeast Asian streambanks.
Conservation Context
Not commonly captive-bred. Harvest pressure exists in its native range. Maintaining well-documented captive populations is encouraged.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Dwarf shrimp (e.g. Neocaridina)
• Boraras species (e.g. chili rasbora)
• Kuhli loaches (in larger setups)
• Snails and biofilm grazers
• Other Indostomus species (in groups)
Region (A)
• Latitude: 20.1624° N
• Longitude: 94.9186° E
(Chindwin River Basin, northern Myanmar)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 17.2000° N
• Longitude: 96.1333° E
(Streams near Yangon, southern Myanmar)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Toothpick Fish (Indostomus paradoxus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Sensitive to water quality and requires live food. Prefers species-only or carefully curated nano tanks with stable conditions.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Collected from slow-flowing habitats in Myanmar. Not bred widely in captivity, so wild populations may be impacted by trade.
Origin
Native to slow-moving, shaded streams in Myanmar, particularly within the Irrawaddy River Basin. Found among leaf litter and marginal vegetation.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Extremely slender and semi-transparent, it resembles a drifting twig or pin. Moves with jerky, hovering motions. Subtle but mesmerizing when observed closely.
Purpose
A fascinating micro-predator that feeds on tiny invertebrates. Serves as a centerpiece in highly specialized nano tanks and Southeast Asian biotopes.
Importance
Highly sought after by nano-fish enthusiasts for its rarity and behavior. Adds biodiversity and supports microfaunal observation in small-scale setups.
Included Resources
Requires dense vegetation, mosses, low flow, and ample biofilm. Sponge filtration and tannin-rich water are ideal. Needs live microfauna like copepods, BBS, or microworms.
Best Use Cases
Nano aquascapes with shrimp, micro rasboras, or solo-species displays. Works in blackwater layouts and biotope recreations of Southeast Asian streambanks.
Conservation Context
Not commonly captive-bred. Harvest pressure exists in its native range. Maintaining well-documented captive populations is encouraged.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Dwarf shrimp (e.g. Neocaridina)
• Boraras species (e.g. chili rasbora)
• Kuhli loaches (in larger setups)
• Snails and biofilm grazers
• Other Indostomus species (in groups)
Region (A)
• Latitude: 20.1624° N
• Longitude: 94.9186° E
(Chindwin River Basin, northern Myanmar)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 17.2000° N
• Longitude: 96.1333° E
(Streams near Yangon, southern Myanmar)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Toothpick Fish (Indostomus paradoxus)
Region
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