Species Description…

Scientific Name: Corythoichthys intestinalis

Common Name: Messmate Pipefish

Species Group: Pipefish

Habitat: Reef Safe with Caution

Care Level: Advanced

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet Type: Carnivore

Role in Aquarium: Community Fish

Max Fish Length: 7 (inches)

Min Aquarium Size: 30 (gallons)

Native Range: Indo-Pacific

Corythoichthys Intestinalis - The Messmate Pipefish

Corythoichthys Intestinalis (The Messmate Pipefish)

Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in shallow coral reefs, seagrass beds, and rocky coastal areas.
Recognized for its elongated, slender body with intricate patterns that provide effective camouflage.
Closely related to seahorses, possessing a similar tube-like snout for feeding.
A peaceful species that requires a well-maintained environment with plenty of live rock and low water flow.
Best suited for a specialized aquarium with stable water conditions and a carefully selected tank community.

Carnivorous, feeding primarily on small crustaceans and zooplankton in the wild.
Requires a diet of live or frozen mysis shrimp, copepods, and enriched brine shrimp.
May take time to adjust to prepared foods, but consistent feeding routines can encourage adaptation.
Should be fed multiple times per day due to its high metabolism.
A nutrient-rich diet helps support immune health and sustain its delicate structure.

Prefers reef-associated environments with minimal currents and abundant hiding spots.
Frequently seen weaving through coral branches and seagrass, mimicking their surroundings.
Aquarium setups should include live rock structures to encourage natural behaviors.
Requires stable water conditions with high water quality to prevent stress and disease.
Providing shaded areas and gentle water movement creates an ideal environment.

Optimal water temperature: 74-78°F (23-26°C) to maintain a healthy metabolism.
Preferred pH range: 8.1-8.4, with a salinity level of 1.020-1.025.
Requires consistent water parameters and regular maintenance to thrive.
Reef-safe but may struggle in high-energy reef tanks with strong currents and aggressive fish.
Providing a peaceful, structured environment helps prevent stress and encourages natural behaviors.

Extremely peaceful and best housed with other non-aggressive tankmates.
Compatible with seahorses, small gobies, and other slow-moving marine species.
Should not be kept with fast-swimming or aggressive fish that may outcompete it for food.
Requires a calm tank environment where it can comfortably forage and interact.
Providing plenty of rockwork and seagrass structures minimizes stress and encourages natural behaviors.

A slow-moving species that prefers to hover and drift near rock structures.
Frequently observed using its tube-like snout to hunt for small crustaceans.
More active in a well-established aquarium with an abundant supply of microfauna.
Providing a structured habitat with coral branches and hiding spots supports its natural instincts.
Over time, it may become accustomed to its caretaker and develop a predictable feeding routine.