Alligator Pipefish

[neeko08]

As some of you know, I have quite a few Speciaes of Pipefish. I purchased two males AP's (Alligator Pipefish)one of them had eggs on their bellies.

Surprsingly on the day of the Frag Swap, one of the Ap's started to give birth. As a result Me & a bunch of my friends were a little late getting to the show. It's all good though, it worked out in the end.

Since this was the very first time that I've ever tried to keep an AP (male) that is preggers, I really dont have much experience raising them. I've tried reading up about them but so far all results I found were saying that it hasnt been done successfully or the process is somewhat imperfect.

I was hoping maybe that some people in this forum might have an idea or some experience on how to raise them & keep them alive long enough to see them mature.

THREAD UPDATED WITH PICS & VID

Here is the video link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dT-Hrw7gaHQ

Here are the pics:

 

[Chapz]

Thats Awesome. Keep up the good job.

What else do u have?
Nice to list them.

 

[qckwzrd]

Wow that's amazing. Can't wait to see the pics/video. I seen some banded pipe fish at a LFS (125 gallon reef) and they look so cool. What size tank you keep them in? Reef or fish only?

 

[neeko08]

I keep them on my 30 gallon breeder reef tank.
There are some gobies & blennies & a few cleaners in the tank but not harmful at all.

 

[kenske]

Did u get it at H2O? if so, i saw it. I acually pointed it out to one of the guys that works there. It was pretty cool. The eggs runs at least 2/3 the length of the pipe fish. Fairly large one too. I admit. I did ponder for a sec about getting it. But i fugured i'd do some research before acquiring.

The link below mentioned that the newborn pipefish is about 1/2" long and feed on plankton. Being that it is closely related to seahorses, i would guess that they should have similar requirements as rearing seahorses? I used to feed seahorse frys bbs.

http://www.beachconnection.net/news/pfish080407_332.php

Please keep us us updated with your progress.

 

[neeko08]

Pics & Video Link Are Up

 

[Quang]

thats pretty neat!

despite my feelings about keeping pipefish, i think what you have going is interesting. good luck with them!

 

[nikkibabee]

O man I want some!

 

[EmilyT]

they're beautiful!!!

 

[neeko08]

They're 4 days old as of right now, maybe when they get much older & hopefully stay alive, I'll think about finding them good homes.

 

[crox99]

Very cool. What are you feeding them?

 

[drperetz]

...Spirulina

I think spirulina powder would work...Correct me if i am wrong..

 

[lfsmarineguy]

artemia nauplii is ideal as a first food for horses and pipes. I doubt they would go after spirulina since they are aggressive carnivores. Spirulina is used to start clown fry.

 

[neeko08]

i feed them daphnia coz they have small mouths. Artemia Nauplii might be good but it wasnt available at my LFS at the time. Maybe I'll try to acquire that this weekend.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

This is so cool.

 

[inkblue]

fReaKy, yet interestingLy okeY... :sgrin:

 

[wildponi]

I am very interested in talking to you about raising pipefish. I am getting two pairs of alligator pipes very soon and need to talk with someone who is experienced with them. I am setting up a seagrass lagoon tank with liverock and seagrasses for them. I have kept seahorses for the past year and a half and also have a reef tank up for two years.

Were you successful in raising the pipefish fry? I enjoyed the video of them being born. Thank you for your help!

Deb

 

[chazertis]

friggin awesome. you shoulda shown me when i was at your place!