Dragon Pipefish – Red Bug Eater
Corythoichthys intestinalis
Price range: $51.99 through $53.99
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In Stock | 3.5 - 4.75" - Indian Ocean | Original price was: $101.99.$53.99Current price is: $53.99. |
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| Out of Stock | 4.75" or larger - Indian Ocean | Original price was: $123.99.$65.99Current price is: $65.99. | Email me | |
| In Stock | 4.25 - 6.25" - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $98.99.$51.99Current price is: $51.99. |
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| Out of Stock | 2.25 - 4.25" - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $73.99.$38.99Current price is: $38.99. | Email me |
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Expert |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Pest Control |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Max Size | 8 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Dragon Pipefish (Corythoichthys intestinalis) is a slender, reef-associated pipefish with pale coloration and a scribbled, banded pattern. It is known for hunting tiny crustaceans throughout the rockwork, including copepods and the small red bug pests seen on Acropora. In a mature reef aquarium, it adds constant, low-key activity as it methodically searches surfaces for bite-sized prey.
What You’ll Observe:
- Slow, hovering movement as it travels from rock to rock
- Frequent perching on ledges and under overhangs between hunting passes
- Short, precise snaps at microfauna on rock and coral branches
- Eyes that track independently while it scans for food
Provide a mature reef with plenty of live rock, caves, and overhangs so it can graze naturally throughout the day. Offer frequent small planktonic foods (live pods and other fine meaty options) to match its hunting style. It does best when feeding competition stays low so it can take its time working the rockwork.
Will it accept frozen foods over time?
Some individuals learn to take very small frozen items (like roe-sized foods) once they recognize a consistent feeding spot, but regular access to naturally occurring microfauna is still important.
Can I keep it with mandarins or other pod-hunters?
It can work in larger, well-established systems that continuously produce pods, especially if you also provide targeted feedings for each micro-predator.
Does it handle strong reef flow?
Keepers commonly report it can move through high-flow reef tanks, especially when the aquascape includes sheltered zones where it can pause and perch.
Should I cover pumps or overflows?
Many hobbyists use mesh guards or screened intakes so the fish can explore the rockwork and water column freely without getting too close to intakes.
Is it better kept singly or as a pair?
They’re often observed in pairs in the wild and many aquarists keep one or more in larger reefs; adding them at the same time can help them settle into similar feeding routes.
Shipped with pure oxygen and temperature control so it arrives stress-free and ready to eat.
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