Bluestripe pipefish breeding?

[ThePurple12]

Has anyone here bred the bluestripe pipefish? I've read the breeding logs from MBI, and I'd like to hear other people's methods. I just started my 4th attempt yesterday (all the previous ones completely failed) and have 40-50 fry. I'm feeding BBS.

 

[Arthacker87]

I don't but take pics and document as much as possible in case you are successful

 

[ichthyogeek]

Hmmm...I haven’t, but have you tried feeding copepod nauplii or rotifers? How cold are the pipefish being incubated at? at what size are they hatching? What’s your rearing vessel?

@ThRoewer has some in the works I believe.

 

[ThePurple12]

I don't but take pics and document as much as possible in case you are successful

Sure thing!

Hmmm...I haven’t, but have you tried feeding copepod nauplii or rotifers? How cold are the pipefish being incubated at? at what size are they hatching? What’s your rearing vessel?

@ThRoewer has some in the works I believe.

The tank is at room temp, around 70F. They’re 5mm. I’m using a 5 gallon tank that is currently halfway full for greater BBS density. Lightly aerated with an airline.

 

[Larry L]

You should try getting in touch with Phelipe Rocha via the "Marine Breeding USA" group on Facebook. Also Alyssa at Alyssa's Seahorse Savvy https://seahorsesavvy.com

 

[ThRoewer]

Artemia won't cut it. What you need is copepod nauplii.
Also, these are tropical reef fish. 70F is too cold. They need at least 24°C.

 

[ichthyogeek]

Should note that I asked about tank temperature because I've heard some fascinating stuff about erectus seahorses having benthic fry in their northern range, and more pelagic fry in their southern range. Also some interesting studies about temperature affecting hatching size in dragonets (I think).

I agree with ThRoewer though. Something smaller than artemia is probably what you're going to need to use for rearing.

Finally, you never mentioned it, but what's your rearing vessel? Big Round Tub? standard 10 gallon tub? kreisel?

 

[ThRoewer]

kreisel would be ideal. I still need to build a few...
Tubs work as well.

 

[ThePurple12]

Just a basic 5 gallon aquarium.

I'll get started on a copepod culture, then. What species do you recommend?

 

[ThRoewer]

Parvocalanus.
But they only take live motile algae, preferably Isocrysis, so you also have to culture those.

 

[ThePurple12]

OK, I'll work on that.

Today looks like I've lost a few, and everyone else is still going strong. I put a small heater in the tank.

 

[Paul B]

If they are fed enough by being in a matured, not to clean tank, you can't stop them from breeding.
They spawn constantly and I never have to feed them as they hunt all day.

 

[ThePurple12]

If they are fed enough by being in a matured, not to clean tank, you can't stop them from breeding.
They spawn constantly and I never have to feed them as they hunt all day.

That's weird Paul, yours look like a different species than mine. The colors are slightly different. Mine don't stop breeding either, and the male is always pregnant!

 

[Paul B]

Does she look better here? Same fish, different camera.
I have been keeping them for many years. I think they only live 7 or 8 years but I don't remember.
I still have this one and I have been living here almost 3 years. She was in my last house for about 2 years.

 

[ThePurple12]

Yeah, that looks more like mine

 

[ThePurple12]

Where do you guys get your Isochrysis and Parvocalanus? I'm thinking Ebay.

 

[ichthyogeek]

I'm probably going to get my Parvo from algagen, and my Iso from florida aqua farms/reed mariculture.

 

[ThRoewer]

Where do you guys get your Isochrysis and Parvocalanus? I'm thinking Ebay.

Parvocalanus crassirostris from Reed Mariculture ( @Reef Nutrition )
Isochrysis Galbana from Algae Research Supply (directly or via Amazon) - tip: 500 ml is the best value and more than you need as a starter.

 

[ThePurple12]

Algae research supply it is then.

 

[ThRoewer]

To culture the algae you will also need:

• Fritz Aquatics PRO - F/2 Algae Food PTB - 16oz
• Fritz Aquatics PRO - F/2 Algae Food PTA - 16oz
• 5 gallon carboys - don't get the ones with hollow handles but pick one like this: https://www.walmart.com/ip/American-Maid-5-gal-Water-Bottle/51200565
• Light - this is a good one for 2 5 gallon carboys: Feit Electric GLP24FS/19W/LED Dual Full LED Plant Grow Tube Light, 1.73" H x 23.33" L x 4.9" D, 450 Nm Blue, 655 Nm Red Spectrum (you also get it at Home Depot)
• plain household bleach, ideally with known chlorine percentage
• Sodium Thiosulfate Pentahydrate
• A couple 10 ml syringes with long dispensing needles to dose everything
• an airpump, airstones, ridgid airline, flexible airline,...