African Freshwater Pipefish

Enneacampus ansorgii

African Freshwater Pipefish is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerIntermediate – Advanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in)
Aquarium size: 132 L or larger / ≥ 91 cm (≥ 35.8 in) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 23–27 °C
pH: 7–8
GH: 10–25 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 132 L or larger / ≥ 91 cm (≥ 35.8 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–27 °C, pH 7–8, GH 10–25 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

African Freshwater Pipefish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, African Freshwater Pipefish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Gabon Cameroon Equatorial Guinea.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 132 L or larger / ≥ 91 cm (≥ 35.8 in) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Black Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia nigrans Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 23–28 °C African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 22–27 °C Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 27–30 °C Aurora Lizard Tetra Iguanodectes variatus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 22–26 °C Banded Gourami Trichogaster fasciata Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 23–28 °C Bandtail Tetra Moenkhausia dichroura Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 22–26 °C

FAQ

How large does African Freshwater Pipefish get?

African Freshwater Pipefish reaches ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in).

What aquarium size does African Freshwater Pipefish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 132 L or larger / ≥ 91 cm (≥ 35.8 in) minimum length.

Is African Freshwater Pipefish peaceful?

Yes. African Freshwater Pipefish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for African Freshwater Pipefish?

Keep it between 23 to 27 °C.