Cleaner Pipefish

Doryrhamphus janssi is a species of pipefish belonging to the family Syngnathidae.

Description

Doryrhamphus janssi has a long, slender body with an elongated, tubular mouth. It's a small sized fish which can reach a maximal length of 14 cms. The body of this species is bright orange while the head and anterior portion of the trunk are blue. Its tail is flag-like with a black background color, white margin and white dot in the center.

Distribution & habitat

The Janss'pipefish is found in the tropical waters of the central Indo-Pacific area, from Indonesia to the Philippines, this latter is the northern and eastern limit of the species distribution. It likes sheltered inner reef and it is usually observed under small coral overhangs and crevices.

Biology

Doryrhamphus janssi is a cleaner fish specialised in small fish like apogonids and damselfishes, they usually work in couple. It is ovoviviparous and like for the seahorse, the male carries the eggs in a brood pouch.

Captivity

The Janss' Pipefish is not easily kept because of to its unusual feeding requirements. This fish generally prefers to eat only live copepods.