Little Shop of Coral
Dragonface Pipefish (Corythoichthys haematopterus)
Dragonface Pipefish (Corythoichthys haematopterus)
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The Dragonface Pipefish is a beautiful, slender reef fish with a patterned “dragon” look and calm, methodical behaviour. It glides through rockwork and macro areas hunting tiny live foods, making it a great fit for mature reef tanks that already support a healthy population of copepods. This is a peaceful, specialty species that shines in quieter systems where it will not be outcompeted at feeding time.
Why we love it
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Unique dragon-like patterning and elegant pipefish shape
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Peaceful, reef-safe fish that adds a totally different look to the tank
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Fascinating hunting behaviour as it picks through rockwork
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Great for pod-rich reefs and macro-based displays
Care & Compatibility
Care Level: Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: Yes
Diet: Specialized (copepods and other tiny live foods)
Adult Size: ~6 to 8"
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons recommended (larger, mature systems preferred)
Feeding (Very Important)
Dragonface Pipefish do best in established tanks with natural microfauna and a plan for ongoing nutrition.
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Best in tanks with a strong population of copepods and amphipods
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Many accept enriched frozen foods such as baby brine, cyclops, or finely chopped mysis, but it varies by individual
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Multiple small feedings per day improves success
If your tank is new or low in pods, this species may slowly lose weight.
Tank & Setup Notes
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Best in mature reefs with live rock, refugium support, or pod cultures
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Provide calm zones and plenty of rockwork or macro for hunting
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Strong filtration is fine, but avoid intake hazards and use guards on pumps
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Stable salinity and temperature are important for long-term health
Compatibility Tips
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Keep with peaceful tank mates that will not outcompete it for food
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Avoid aggressive wrasses, dottybacks, and fast, pushy feeders
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Generally safe with corals and most inverts
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Use caution with stinging anemones and large LPS with strong feeding responses
Acclimation & Health
Slow acclimation is recommended. Quarantine can be challenging unless you can provide live food reliably. Monitor body condition closely during the first few weeks and ensure it is feeding daily.
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LIGHT
LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.
MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height.
HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.
FLOW
LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.
MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.
HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.
SKILL
ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.
While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.
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