Dragonface Pipefish

Also known as the Messmate Pipefish or Networked Pipefish

The Dragonface Pipefish is a unique and captivating species that brings intricate patterning and fascinating behavior to marine aquariums. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to Hawaii and French Polynesia, this distinctive pipefish features a reticulated pattern resembling dragon scales and a characteristic upturned snout. With their specialized feeding requirements and peaceful temperament, Dragonface Pipefish are challenging but rewarding additions for advanced aquarists with established, peaceful systems and dedication to meeting their unique care needs.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Corythoichthys haematopterus
• Common Names: Dragonface Pipefish, Messmate Pipefish, Networked Pipefish, Reticulated Pipefish
• Adult Size: 6–7 inches (15–18 cm); commonly 5–6 inches in aquariums
• Lifespan: 3–5 years with proper care (challenging to maintain long-term)
• Temperament: Very peaceful and shy; delicate species
• Reef Compatibility: Completely reef-safe – ideal for peaceful reef aquariums
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum (55+ gallons recommended)
• Experience Level: Advanced to Expert – requires specialized feeding and environment

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Found on coral reefs, seagrass beds, and rubble areas at depths of 3–100 feet. Often observed in pairs or small groups among branching corals and algae.

Tank Environment:

• Abundant rockwork with caves and crevices
• Branching coral structures or macroalgae for shelter
• Peaceful environment absolutely essential
• Subdued to moderate lighting
• Low to moderate water flow (too strong causes stress)
• Mature reef system (6+ months established) strongly recommended
• Fine mesh over overflow openings

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <10 ppm (excellent water quality essential)
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Diet & Feeding

Recommended Foods (Major Challenge):

• Live copepods, amphipods, microfauna (most readily accepted)
• Frozen mysis shrimp, baby brine shrimp (if trained to accept)
• Enriched live brine shrimp
• Frozen copepods, cyclops
• Difficult to wean onto frozen foods (but easier than Bluestripe Pipefish)
• Regular live food supplementation highly beneficial

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 2–4 times daily (small stomach requires frequent meals)
• Target feed with pipette or turkey baster
• Slow eaters; ensure adequate feeding time without competition
• Copepod cultures or refugium recommended
• More adaptable to frozen foods than some pipefish species

Behavior & Compatibility

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with: Small peaceful gobies, blennies, dartfish, firefish, cardinalfish, clownfish (peaceful), small wrasses (peaceful), other pipefish or seahorses
• Caution with: Any aggressive or fast-moving feeders
• Avoid: ALL aggressive species, large fish, fast competitive feeders, triggers, puffers, wrasses (aggressive), dottybacks

Social Behavior:

• Very peaceful and timid
• Can be kept in pairs or small groups
• Often forms pair bonds
• Hovers near substrate and coral branches
• Slow, methodical swimming along bottom
• Males brood eggs in specialized pouch (like seahorses)
• Will not compete for food with aggressive eaters
• Less shy than some pipefish species once established

Reef Compatibility: Completely reef-safe with all corals, anemones, and sessile invertebrates. Safe with all ornamental shrimp and invertebrates. Will not harm any fish or invertebrates; only consumes microfauna and small meaty foods.

Color & Development

Coloration: Tan to reddish-brown base with intricate reticulated (net-like) pattern of dark brown to black lines creating dragon scale appearance; pattern highly variable between individuals; upturned snout; some specimens show red or orange highlights; camouflage coloration helps blend with substrate.

Color Intensity:

• Pattern remains consistent throughout life
• High-quality diet maintains overall health and color
• Color fading or loss of pattern indicates stress or starvation (warning sign)
• Can slightly adjust coloration to match surroundings
• Excellent water quality essential for optimal appearance

Size & Growth:

• Specimens typically available at 3–5 inches
• Slow growth rate
• Often near adult size when collected or bred
• Remains slender throughout life

Why Choose a Quarantined Dragonface Pipefish?

A properly quarantined Dragonface Pipefish is a specimen that has been observed and assessed for critical feeding behavior. Our quarantine protocol includes 4–6 weeks minimum observation (critical for feeding assessment), preventative parasite treatment, feeding establishment verification (most important factor), dietary conditioning to frozen foods when possible, and stress reduction protocols.

These pipefish require experienced aquarists but are somewhat more adaptable than ribbon eels or Bluestripe Pipefish. While still challenging with their intricate dragon-scale patterning and fascinating substrate-dwelling behavior, they represent a middle ground in pipefish difficulty. Their unique upturned snout, reticulated pattern, and interesting foraging behavior create engaging observations. Best suited for ultra-peaceful reef systems with patient aquarists experienced with delicate species like seahorses, mandarins, or other pipefish. Only consider if you can provide specialized feeding, peaceful conditions, and are committed to meeting their demanding care requirements.