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Opossum Pipefish

Microphis brachyurus

Freshwater Central America

A slender freshwater pipefish found in coastal streams and river estuaries, adorned with intricate lateral markings. It is an exceedingly delicate feeder that will almost exclusively accept live live-food such as mysis, daphnia, or newly hatched brine shrimp, making a dedicated species-only aquarium vital.

Also called: Short-tailed pipefish, Opossum pipefish.

19 cm adult length, drawn to scale. eel body.

Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 1 fish added.

What it needs

ItemValueBecause
Adult length 19 cm Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round.
Smallest tank 150 L, at least 90 cm long estimated The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group.
Extra water per added fish 20 L estimated What each further fish adds once the minimum is met.
Waste load Class 2 of 5 estimated How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check.
Temperature 24 to 28 C Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges.
pH 7 to 8 Compared with tankmates in the Water check.
Hardness GH 8 to 18, KH 4 to 10 Degrees of general and carbonate hardness.
Flow Low Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current.
Light Moderate Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet.
Group size Single fish is fine Not a schooling species.
Temperament Peaceful Not territorial.
Swims in All levels Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily.
Lifespan About 4 years A fish is a long commitment.
Experience Experienced keepers only A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes.

Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.

Diet and tank layout

Opossum Pipefish is an carnivore that swims in all levels of the tank. It is safe with plants. Give it plenty of cover.

Tankmates

Works with

Depends

Avoid

Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.