The African Pipefish is a fascinating, needle-thin relative of the seahorse native to West African streams. They are considered an expert-level oddball because they are very weak swimmers and almost exclusively require tiny live foods (like baby brine shrimp, daphnia, or micro-fauna). They are highly peaceful but will easily starve if housed with fast-moving community fish that outcompete them for food.
African Pipefish At a Glance
African Pipefish Tank Requirements
Will African Pipefish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what African Pipefish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test African Pipefish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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African Pipefish Water Parameters
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African Pipefish Temperament & Compatibility
African Pipefish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form. Similar to seahorses, males can eventually be distinguished by a specialized brood pouch on their underside where they carry and incubate eggs.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type
African Pipefish Care Guide Summary
The African Pipefish, scientifically known as Enneacampus ansorgii, belongs to the Oddballs family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 14 cm and have a eel body shape with a slow growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the African Pipefish requires a brackish tolerant aquarium with a minimum volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
The African Pipefish is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The African Pipefish is typically available in one standard form.
African Pipefish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the African Pipefish, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
African Pipefish Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the African Pipefish is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
African Pipefish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for African Pipefish.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 17 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About African Pipefish
How big does African Pipefish get?
African Pipefish (Enneacampus ansorgii) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 14 cm. They have a eel body shape and a slow growth rate.
What tank size does African Pipefish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for African Pipefish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does African Pipefish need?
African Pipefish thrives in brackish tolerant conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is African Pipefish peaceful or aggressive?
African Pipefish is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 0 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can African Pipefish live alone?
Yes, African Pipefish can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does African Pipefish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. African Pipefish benefits from plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for African Pipefish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for African Pipefish based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Marbled Hatchetfish
Carnegiella strigata
Ideal Tank MatesClown Killifish
Epiplatys annulatus
Ideal Tank MatesAfrican Dwarf Frog
Hymenochirus boettgeri
Ideal Tank MatesZebra Spiny Eel
Mastacembelus zebrinus
Ideal Tank MatesBanjo Catfish
Bunocephalus coracoideus
Ideal Tank MatesBanana Loach
Acantopsis choirorhynchos
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit African Pipefish
These plants pair well with African Pipefish based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to African Pipefish
African Lungfish
Protopterus annectens
An ancient, fascinating oddball fish capable of surviving droughts by aestivating in mud cocoons. It is an obligate air-breather with a powerful bite. Highly predatory and completely intolerant of tank mates, it should be kept strictly solitary. Requires a heavy, secure lid as they are notorious and powerful escape artists.
Reedfish (Ropefish)
Erpetoichthys calabaricus
An ancient, eel-like species from West Africa closely related to Bichirs. They are famous for their snake-like appearance and gentle nature. Unlike Bichirs, Ropefish are social and prefer to be kept in groups. They are nocturnal hunters using smell to find food. WARNING: They are legendary escape artists; a tight-fitting lid without even the smallest gap is 100% mandatory.
African Butterfly Fish
Pantodon buchholzi
A fascinating, prehistoric-looking surface dweller native to the slow-moving waters of West Africa. They are strictly top-dwelling ambush predators with a completely flat back and upturned mouth designed to hunt insects and small fish. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely mandatory as they are exceptional jumpers capable of gliding above the water.
Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus vitreolus
A highly unique, completely transparent catfish from Thailand. Unlike most catfish, they are mid-water swimmers that require being kept in schools to feel secure. They are incredibly peaceful and easily outcompeted for food. They require stable water parameters and dim lighting or shaded areas provided by floating plants.
Zebra Spiny Eel
Mastacembelus zebrinus
The Zebra Spiny Eel is a fascinating, small eel-like fish native to the Inle Lake region of Myanmar. Known for its striking vertical stripes and elongated snout, it is a peaceful but shy bottom-dweller. It strictly requires a soft sand substrate to burrow into, as gravel can severely damage its skin and lead to fatal bacterial infections. A micropredator by nature, it will hunt small shrimp and fry but remains entirely peaceful toward appropriately sized tank mates. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely mandatory, as they are notorious escape artists.
Peter's Elephantnose Fish
Gnathonemus petersii
A highly intelligent, nocturnal oddball native to African rivers. They navigate, communicate, and hunt using a weak electrical field generated from a specialized organ in their tail and a highly sensitive 'trunk' (a specialized chin appendage). A soft sand substrate is absolutely mandatory to prevent their trunk from being damaged by abrasion. They are notoriously aggressive toward conspecifics unless kept in very large shoals in massive aquariums.