Fin's Fish Guide
The Cleaner pipefish (Doryrhamphus janssi) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Description
Janss' pipefish is a colourful pipefish from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 14 cm and has a slender body with a dark front half, an orange rear half and a round, flagged tail. Remarkably, it acts as a cleaner fish: it removes parasites and dead skin from larger reef fish at fixed cleaning stations. It lives among coral and in caves. As in pipefishes, the male carries the eggs. The fish appears in the reef aquarium. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cleaner pipefish?
The Cleaner pipefish has a snake-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Cleaner fish that removes parasites from reef fishes; the male carries the eggs
Where does the Cleaner pipefish live?
The Cleaner pipefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Cleaner pipefish get?
The Cleaner pipefish grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the Cleaner pipefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Cleaner pipefish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Cleaner pipefish edible?
The Cleaner pipefish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Doryrhamphus
More from the family Syngnathidae
Want the complete picture on the Cleaner pipefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cleaner pipefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.