{"product_id":"barhead-pipefish-microphis-leiaspis","title":"Barhead pipefish (Microphis leiaspis)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBarhead Pipefish (Microphis leiaspis) — A Living Curiosity for the Specialist Aquarium\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eBarhead Pipefish\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eMicrophis leiaspis\u003c\/em\u003e) is a fascinating and rarely seen freshwater pipefish from the rivers and estuaries of Southeast Asia. A close relative of seahorses, this slender, elongated fish moves with a hypnotic, undulating grace — propelled by a rapidly oscillating dorsal fin while its body remains almost perfectly still. With its intricate banding pattern, tubular snout, and prehistoric appearance, the Barhead Pipefish is a true conversation piece and a rewarding challenge for the dedicated specialist aquarist.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eA Seahorse’s Freshwater Cousin\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eLike all pipefish, \u003cem\u003eMicrophis leiaspis\u003c\/em\u003e is a member of the family Syngnathidae — the same family as seahorses and seadragons. It shares their distinctive body plan, their unique method of locomotion, and their fascinating reproductive biology, in which the male broods the eggs in a specialised pouch. Watching a Barhead Pipefish hunt live prey with its pipette-like snout is one of the most captivating behaviours in the freshwater aquarium hobby.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCare Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Microphis leiaspis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Southeast Asia — freshwater rivers, streams, and estuaries; Philippines, Indonesia, and surrounding regions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 15–18 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful but predatory toward very small invertebrates and fry; best kept as a species tank or with peaceful, similarly sized fish that will not outcompete it for food\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore — requires live or frozen small prey; baby brine shrimp, daphnia, micro worms, and small live invertebrates; does not readily accept dry foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.0–8.0 (tolerates slightly brackish conditions; pure freshwater is suitable for most specimens)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum 80L; tall aquariums with vertical structure preferred\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e A specialist species requiring live or frozen foods and excellent water quality; not recommended for beginners. Sold unsexed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAquascape Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Barhead Pipefish thrives in aquariums with dense planting, driftwood, and vertical structure — tall plants such as Vallisneria and Sagittaria provide ideal resting and hunting habitat. It is best kept as a species tank or with very peaceful, non-competitive tankmates that will not steal its food. Gentle water flow and excellent filtration are essential to maintain the water quality this delicate species requires.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAncient in form, mesmerising in movement — the Barhead Pipefish is the living curiosity that brings the wonder of the seahorse family to the freshwater aquarium.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aquapets ( KowloonAquarium)","offers":[{"title":"Unsexed","offer_id":54068493091089,"sku":null,"price":38.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0679\/9225\/6785\/files\/images_cbff9262-c6b0-4bb8-9ba6-2aaa74b05dc5.jpg?v=1785478488","url":"https:\/\/www.aquapets.ca\/products\/barhead-pipefish-microphis-leiaspis","provider":"Aquapets ( KowloonAquarium)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}