Many Banded Pipefish

Red Banded Pipefish (Doryphamus multiannulatus)

The Red Banded Pipefish is a slender, ribbon‑like marine fish that adds vivid color and hypnotic motion to a peaceful, algae‑rich aquarium. Its alternating red and yellow bands, paired with a tiny, tube‑shaped snout, make it one of the most eye‑catching pipefish species available. Unlike many flashy reef fish, it excels in calm, naturalistic setups where it can hover and forage among macroalgae or sheltered rockwork.

Why this species is special

• Graceful, low‑stress behavior: This is a peaceful, slow swimmer that thrives in serene tanks rather than crowded or aggressive mixes. It’s well suited to macroalgae displays, where it can linger among fronds and glide gently through the water column.

• Expert‑level, but deeply rewarding care: Best kept by experienced keepers who can sustain continuous live foods like copepods or enriched brine shrimp.  Can be taught to eat frozen shaved mysis with time and patience.  

• Size: Adults reach around 7 inches, requiring 30 gallons or more.  Prefer horizontal swimming over vertical, unlike seahorses.   

• Environment:  Dense macroalgae setups are ideal, however they are often found hanging under reef ledges in coral reefs.  While high flow is not ideal, they do have better swimming power then many of their close pipefish and seahorse relatives.  Wavemakers should be covered with an anemone guard, sponge or media bag.   

Best for

• Advanced or expert hobbyists running mature, pod‑rich systems

• Macroalgae displays or lagoon‑style aquascapes where slow, natural movement is the focal point

• Keepers committed to live copepod feeding, enriched brine, and occasional frozen foods 

Perfect for aquarists looking to add an elegant, slow-moving centerpiece fish to a peaceful marine aquarium.  

Pictures shown are actual available animals.  They are eating frozen mysis and zooplankton mix.