{"product_id":"paradox-pipefish-indostomus-paradoxus","title":"Paradox Pipefish (Indostomus Paradoxus)","description":"\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndostomus paradoxus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a tiny, cryptic, and highly specialised fish native to Southeast Asia. It is the type species of its genus and family, meaning it's the original example scientists use to define these groups. Its name, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eparadoxus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, hints at the confusing and \"paradoxical\" taxonomic history it has presented to ichthyologists \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Armoured_stickleback\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Taxonomy and Discovery\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndostomus paradoxus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Prashad \u0026amp; Mukerji, 1929\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Armoured stickleback \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/Taxonomy\/Browser\/wwwtax.cgi?id=181450\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFamily:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Indostomidae (a monogeneric family, meaning it contains only one genus, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndostomus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Armoured_stickleback\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiscovery:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e It was first discovered in the 1920s in Lake Indawgyi in Myanmar (then Burma) and formally described in 1929 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Armoured_stickleback\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.seriouslyfish.com\/species\/indostomus-paradoxus\/\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTaxonomic History:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Its classification has been a subject of debate. While originally placed with sticklebacks in the order Gasterosteiformes, modern scientific analysis often places it in the order Synbranchiformes, making it a relative of spiny eels and swamp eels. This long-standing uncertainty is a key part of its scientific interest \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Armoured_stickleback\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/eol.org\/pages\/24465\/articles?lang_group=it\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/mczbase.mcz.harvard.edu\/name\/Indostomus%20paradoxus\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Physical Characteristics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSize:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e It's a very small fish, reaching a maximum standard length of only \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2.5 to 3.0 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (about 1 inch) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fishbase.ca\/FieldGuide\/FieldGuideSummary.php?GenusName=Indostomus\u0026amp;SpeciesName=paradoxus\u0026amp;pda=1\u0026amp;sps=\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.fishbase.us\/summary\/SpeciesSummary.php?id=4321\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.seriouslyfish.com\/species\/indostomus-paradoxus\/\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e It has an elongated, thin body that tapers towards a small, fan-shaped tail. Its most distinctive feature is its body, which is covered in tough, armour-like plates instead of typical fish scales \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Armoured_stickleback\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSexual Dimorphism:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMales:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Have broad, elongated pelvic fins with the outer rays curved inwards. During the breeding season, they develop a lighter, more reddish overall colour and a light brown stripe in their dorsal and anal fins \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.seriouslyfish.com\/species\/indostomus-paradoxus\/\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFemales:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Have straight, more slender pelvic fins and typically display a rounded abdomen when carrying eggs \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Armoured_stickleback\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.seriouslyfish.com\/species\/indostomus-paradoxus\/\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDistinguishing Feature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e It can be distinguished from its close relatives (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI. crocodilus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI. spinosus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e) by its lack of dark markings in the dorsal and anal fins (except for a breeding stripe in males) and its lightly serrated or smooth head bones \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.seriouslyfish.com\/species\/indostomus-paradoxus\/\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Habitat and Distribution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGeographic Range:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Its distribution is in mainland Southeast Asia, from northern Myanmar (specifically around Lake Indawgyi and the Ayeyarwady River basin) through to Cambodia \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fishbase.ca\/FieldGuide\/FieldGuideSummary.php?GenusName=Indostomus\u0026amp;SpeciesName=paradoxus\u0026amp;pda=1\u0026amp;sps=\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ecured.cu\/index.php?title=Indostomus_paradoxus\u0026amp;direction=prev\u0026amp;oldid=3034156\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.fishbase.us\/summary\/SpeciesSummary.php?id=4321\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePreferred Habitat:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e This species is a resident of slow-moving or stagnant freshwater environments. It thrives in canals, ditches, swamps, and ponds, particularly those with muddy or sandy bottoms. It is almost always found in association with dense aquatic vegetation, submerged roots, or leaf litter, which provides cover and hunting grounds \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Armoured_stickleback\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fishbase.ca\/FieldGuide\/FieldGuideSummary.php?GenusName=Indostomus\u0026amp;SpeciesName=paradoxus\u0026amp;pda=1\u0026amp;sps=\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.seriouslyfish.com\/species\/indostomus-paradoxus\/\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🍽️ Diet and Behavior\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e It is a micropredator, feeding on very small, slow-moving benthic (bottom-dwelling) invertebrates. Its natural diet consists of tiny worms, insect larvae, and small crustaceans like copepods and daphnia \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Armoured_stickleback\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fishbase.ca\/FieldGuide\/FieldGuideSummary.php?GenusName=Indostomus\u0026amp;SpeciesName=paradoxus\u0026amp;pda=1\u0026amp;sps=\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ecured.cu\/index.php?title=Indostomus_paradoxus\u0026amp;direction=prev\u0026amp;oldid=3034156\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBehavior:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e This is a sedentary and slow-moving fish that spends most of its time resting on the bottom or holding position among vegetation. It is not a strong swimmer and prefers habitats with little to no water flow \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fishbase.ca\/FieldGuide\/FieldGuideSummary.php?GenusName=Indostomus\u0026amp;SpeciesName=paradoxus\u0026amp;pda=1\u0026amp;sps=\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.fishbase.us\/summary\/SpeciesSummary.php?id=4321\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.seriouslyfish.com\/species\/indostomus-paradoxus\/\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Reproduction\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe reproductive strategy of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI. paradoxus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is quite specialised \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.seriouslyfish.com\/species\/indostomus-paradoxus\/\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCave Spawner:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e It is a cave-spawning species. The male selects a small crevice or cave, such as inside hollow reeds, bamboo, or even small lengths of plastic piping, as a nesting site \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Armoured_stickleback\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.seriouslyfish.com\/species\/indostomus-paradoxus\/\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCourtship:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The male performs a display with erect fins and quivering movements to attract a female to the entrance of his chosen cave.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpawning:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The female typically deposits a small clutch of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5 to 40 eggs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e on the roof of the cave, often while both fish are upside down \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.seriouslyfish.com\/species\/indostomus-paradoxus\/\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParental Care:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e After spawning, the male drives the female away and assumes sole responsibility for guarding and fanning the eggs until they hatch and the fry are free-swimming, a period of dedicated care \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Armoured_stickleback\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ecured.cu\/index.php?title=Indostomus_paradoxus\u0026amp;direction=prev\u0026amp;oldid=3034156\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.seriouslyfish.com\/species\/indostomus-paradoxus\/\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Conservation and Human Interaction\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConservation Status:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The IUCN Red List classifies \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndostomus paradoxus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeast Concern (LC)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e . Its population is currently considered stable, and it faces no major widespread threats \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fishbase.ca\/FieldGuide\/FieldGuideSummary.php?GenusName=Indostomus\u0026amp;SpeciesName=paradoxus\u0026amp;pda=1\u0026amp;sps=\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.fishbase.us\/summary\/SpeciesSummary.php?id=4321\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInteraction with Humans:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e It is of no interest to fisheries due to its tiny size and bony armour. However, it has a niche presence in the aquarium trade, where it is valued by enthusiasts for its unique appearance and fascinating breeding behaviour \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.fishbase.us\/summary\/SpeciesSummary.php?id=4321\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.seriouslyfish.com\/species\/indostomus-paradoxus\/\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e In the Aquarium\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor advanced aquarium keepers, this species presents a unique challenge \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.seriouslyfish.com\/species\/indostomus-paradoxus\/\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTank Setup:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e They require a mature, well-planted tank with a soft substrate, driftwood, and leaf litter to replicate their natural habitat. Water flow should be very gentle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e They are tropical fish, comfortable in a temperature range of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e22-27°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and a pH around 6.5-7.1 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fishbase.ca\/FieldGuide\/FieldGuideSummary.php?GenusName=Indostomus\u0026amp;SpeciesName=paradoxus\u0026amp;pda=1\u0026amp;sps=\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.fishbase.us\/summary\/SpeciesSummary.php?id=4321\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.seriouslyfish.com\/species\/indostomus-paradoxus\/\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDietary Needs:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e They are notoriously difficult to feed, as they will almost always refuse prepared or frozen foods and must be offered small live foods like \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArtemia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e nauplii, daphnia, and microworms \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Armoured_stickleback\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.seriouslyfish.com\/species\/indostomus-paradoxus\/\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTank Mates:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e They are best kept in a group of 4-6 individuals in a species-specific tank or with other very small, peaceful fish like \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBoraras\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDario\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e species, as they are poor competitors for food and can be preyed upon by larger fish \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.seriouslyfish.com\/species\/indostomus-paradoxus\/\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ds-scroll-area _1210dd7 c03cafe9\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ds-scroll-area__gutters\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ds-scroll-area__horizontal-gutter\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ds-scroll-area__vertical-gutter\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCharacteristic\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDescription\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndostomus paradoxus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Prashad \u0026amp; Mukerji, 1929\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eArmoured stickleback \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/Taxonomy\/Browser\/wwwtax.cgi?id=181450\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e2.5 – 3.0 cm SL \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fishbase.ca\/FieldGuide\/FieldGuideSummary.php?GenusName=Indostomus\u0026amp;SpeciesName=paradoxus\u0026amp;pda=1\u0026amp;sps=\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.fishbase.us\/summary\/SpeciesSummary.php?id=4321\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.seriouslyfish.com\/species\/indostomus-paradoxus\/\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDistribution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eNorthern Myanmar to Cambodia \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fishbase.ca\/FieldGuide\/FieldGuideSummary.php?GenusName=Indostomus\u0026amp;SpeciesName=paradoxus\u0026amp;pda=1\u0026amp;sps=\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ecured.cu\/index.php?title=Indostomus_paradoxus\u0026amp;direction=prev\u0026amp;oldid=3034156\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHabitat\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eStagnant, shallow freshwater with vegetation or leaf litter \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Armoured_stickleback\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fishbase.ca\/FieldGuide\/FieldGuideSummary.php?GenusName=Indostomus\u0026amp;SpeciesName=paradoxus\u0026amp;pda=1\u0026amp;sps=\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eMicropredator of small invertebrates; requires live foods \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Armoured_stickleback\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fishbase.ca\/FieldGuide\/FieldGuideSummary.php?GenusName=Indostomus\u0026amp;SpeciesName=paradoxus\u0026amp;pda=1\u0026amp;sps=\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBehaviour\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eSedentary, slow-moving, and peaceful; males guard eggs in caves \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Armoured_stickleback\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fishbase.ca\/FieldGuide\/FieldGuideSummary.php?GenusName=Indostomus\u0026amp;SpeciesName=paradoxus\u0026amp;pda=1\u0026amp;sps=\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConservation Status\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eIUCN: Least Concern (LC) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fishbase.ca\/FieldGuide\/FieldGuideSummary.php?GenusName=Indostomus\u0026amp;SpeciesName=paradoxus\u0026amp;pda=1\u0026amp;sps=\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.fishbase.us\/summary\/SpeciesSummary.php?id=4321\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI hope this detailed information gives you a comprehensive picture of this remarkable little fish. Is there a particular aspect of its biology or care that you would like to know more about?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aquapets ( KowloonAquarium)","offers":[{"title":"Unsexed","offer_id":53127051608337,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0679\/9225\/6785\/files\/h4kfeevlo7771.png?v=1771047464","url":"https:\/\/www.aquapets.ca\/products\/paradox-pipefish-indostomus-paradoxus","provider":"Aquapets ( KowloonAquarium)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}