Seahorses vs. Pipefish! Which do you prefer?

[AlyciaMarie Verified Admin]

This week's face-off is between two delicate fish that require an experienced reefer to keep them thriving. These two mellow and beautiful creatures add uniqueness to every reef they inhabit!

Seahorses vs. Pipefish! Which do you prefer?

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[Gumbies R Us]

I would chose pipefish. I've heard seahorses are difficult to keep, plus I like the look of pipefish more!

 

[vlangel]

I have had and loved both and they each have their pros and cons. I found captive bred banded pipefish from ocean rider to be fairly hardy in comparison to seahorses. Their pipefish are trained to eat frozen mysis so are pretty easy to feed. However their lifespans seem to be about half of the captive bred erectus seahorses. Also they were not interactive with me like the seahorses were. In my opinion there is not a fish as charming and sweet as a seahorse, which was why I voted for seahorses.
Seahorses and pipefish both need excellent water quality in terms of pathogenic bacteria. There are not test kits to test for vibrio. The keeper just has to do due diligence and faithfully do large water changes and use an oversized skimmer. Also all detritus must be vacuumed up and leftover food must be removed. I feel seahorses are a little more vulnerable to bacterial infections.

 

[Timfish]

Leafy Sea Dragons!

 

[vlangel]

Leafy Sea Dragons!

Indeed they are the coolest creature. Last I heard, even Ocean Rider had not had luck in producing captive bred leafy sea dragons. They were able to provide an environment that allowed them to mate but the males could not carry the eggs long enough to produce fry. The hypothesis was that something was lacking in nutrition.

 

[shakacuz]

both. :)

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Leafy Sea Dragons!

I'll admit those are some fascinating looking creatures!

 

[cdemoss01]

Pipefish are just better

 

[vlangel]

A person does not have to choose between seahorses and pipefish. They are compatible with each other, especially if you buy them captive bred from the same source.

 

[PrimusCo]

Would love a seahorse tank, but the tank dimensions and setup seem daunting. Not to mention the care they require. Anyone have any good articles to read up on?

 

[Barncat]

They're both rad and they can live together!

 

[Tom.E]

Love my northern pipefish. Not as colorful as the other pipes but a very hardy fish.