Size
Reach a height of about 15 cm.
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
It has a lean, green body with few noticeable dark markings. The females of this species extend a striped sail during mating. Males of this species carry the growing young in a brood pouch that extends the length of their lower back, just like every other member of the genus Microphis. Like other pipefish, the freshwater variety is a difficult pet and does best in a tank with other fish of its kind. This timid fish, Microphis deocata, finds it extremely difficult to compete with other fish for food, whether they reside above the surface of the water or, more importantly, below it. Only species of Corydoras, Plecostomus, and bottom-feeders like shrimp are suggested tank mates for Rainbow Belly Pipefish.
Habitat
They should be kept in a tank that is between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius, and 10 gallons or more is excellent. However, it would be best to use 20 gallons.
Keeping as Pet
- Tank Size
Many hobbyists decide to keep pipefish in a species-only tank or with seahorses since they need a special tank setup. For smaller species, this tank should be at least 30 gallons (113.6 L), and for larger species, 55 gallons (208.2 L). Large swimming spaces are preferred but not necessary for these fish because they like to stay near to the rocks. Instead, make your rockscape as full with caves and cliffs as you can.
- Parameters of water
- 22 to 25 degrees Celsius
- pH: 6,0 – 7,5
- Hardness range: 3–10 dGH
Bright belly Pipefish require slightly cool, low-flow water. Contrary to many other pipefish species, which often tolerate brackish conditions as well, it is a wholly freshwater species. The aquarium needs to be densely planted with several plants that the fish can attach themselves to or hide behind. Low salt content and a mildly acidic to neutral pH are requirements for water.
- Feeding
In its natural environment, the rainbow belly pipefish, a micro-predator, consumes tiny crustaceans and insect larvae. It only consumes tiny living things like Copepods, Daphnia, and the nauplii of brine shrimp. Typically, it won’t consume shrimp that are completely matured, although it occasionally will take eggs from berried female shrimp, like ghost shrimp (Thalassinidea). Adding daphnia Moina or Magna cultures to the tank is a wise move. Although the adults are too big for the Rainbow Belly Pipefish, they will still generate nauplii, which the pipefish will eat constantly. Commercially available aquatic mosses, such as Java moss, are a wonderful option for tank decoration since they frequently include a culture of infusoria or other tiny crustaceans that can serve as a source of live meals.
- Tank Mates
The only fish that could get along with Rainbow Belly Pipefish are species of Corydoras, Plecostomus, and shrimp.
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