Dietmar Schauer
Info
Festucalex scalaris (Günther, 1870)
Description of the genus Festucalex: Tiny caudal fin (with 10 rays); both the upper and lower edges of the body and tail are continuous; anal fin present (with 4 rays); lateral edge of the body more or less straight (not bending ventrally near the anal ring); dorsal fin attached to the body; the main edges of the tail lack distinctive hook-like projections at the posterior angles of the individual tail rings; median dorsal edge of the mouth low and without projections, more or less concave in lateral view (Allen & Erdmann 2015).
The ladder pipefish is a marine fish species in the family Syngnathidae. It is endemic to Western Australia, where it occurs in the area from Shark Bay to the Monte Bello Islands. This pipefish is considered to be habitat-flexible. Specimens have been recorded in trawl catches, among aquatic plants and algae, and, in one instance, in a pond. According to reports, it inhabits rocky reefs in estuaries, bays, and lagoons, as well as shallow seagrass beds. It is believed that this pipefish feeds on small crustaceans.
Description Festucalex scalaris: A relatively rare, light brown pipefish with 13–15 broad, brown-and-white, ladder-like transverse bands along the back and flanks, as well as white markings on the underside of the edge of each body ring.
This species is ovoviviparous, with the males incubating the eggs and giving birth to live young.
Note: The identification based on the photos posted is not 100% certain, but the Festucalex scalaris from the book *Atlas of Marine Fishes* by Debelius and Kuiter (the pipefish comes from northwestern Australia) comes very close. Care requirements are currently unknown, but are likely similar to those of typical large pipefish. Plenty of food, especially live food at first; no large or fast tankmates; and a suitable tank with plenty of small invertebrates. Not suitable for newly set-up tanks. Should always be kept in pairs whenever possible.
Etymology:
The species name is derived from the Latin word “scalaris” (= ladder, ladder-like) and refers to the ladder-like pattern along the body and tail.
Feeding intake.
The fish take a long time to eat at the beginning, before the food is taken up, a close inspection is carried out. After acclimatisation, the offered frozen food is eaten without problems. It should be noted that wild-caught fish behave differently than offspring when it comes to food intake. In the case of offspring, the size of the fish purchased also plays a role in the choice of food.
Synonymised names
Ichthyocampus scalaris Günther, 1870 · unaccepted
Description of the genus Festucalex: Tiny caudal fin (with 10 rays); both the upper and lower edges of the body and tail are continuous; anal fin present (with 4 rays); lateral edge of the body more or less straight (not bending ventrally near the anal ring); dorsal fin attached to the body; the main edges of the tail lack distinctive hook-like projections at the posterior angles of the individual tail rings; median dorsal edge of the mouth low and without projections, more or less concave in lateral view (Allen & Erdmann 2015).
The ladder pipefish is a marine fish species in the family Syngnathidae. It is endemic to Western Australia, where it occurs in the area from Shark Bay to the Monte Bello Islands. This pipefish is considered to be habitat-flexible. Specimens have been recorded in trawl catches, among aquatic plants and algae, and, in one instance, in a pond. According to reports, it inhabits rocky reefs in estuaries, bays, and lagoons, as well as shallow seagrass beds. It is believed that this pipefish feeds on small crustaceans.
Description Festucalex scalaris: A relatively rare, light brown pipefish with 13–15 broad, brown-and-white, ladder-like transverse bands along the back and flanks, as well as white markings on the underside of the edge of each body ring.
This species is ovoviviparous, with the males incubating the eggs and giving birth to live young.
Note: The identification based on the photos posted is not 100% certain, but the Festucalex scalaris from the book *Atlas of Marine Fishes* by Debelius and Kuiter (the pipefish comes from northwestern Australia) comes very close. Care requirements are currently unknown, but are likely similar to those of typical large pipefish. Plenty of food, especially live food at first; no large or fast tankmates; and a suitable tank with plenty of small invertebrates. Not suitable for newly set-up tanks. Should always be kept in pairs whenever possible.
Etymology:
The species name is derived from the Latin word “scalaris” (= ladder, ladder-like) and refers to the ladder-like pattern along the body and tail.
Feeding intake.
The fish take a long time to eat at the beginning, before the food is taken up, a close inspection is carried out. After acclimatisation, the offered frozen food is eaten without problems. It should be noted that wild-caught fish behave differently than offspring when it comes to food intake. In the case of offspring, the size of the fish purchased also plays a role in the choice of food.
Synonymised names
Ichthyocampus scalaris Günther, 1870 · unaccepted
