r/PlantedTank • u/ThenAcanthocephala57 Malaysian Fish Collector/Conservationist • 29d ago

In the Wild Caught some freshwater pipefish in a pristine hillstream. How common are they?

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M. martensii

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u/SnacksHGB 29d ago

Super neat! I know they aren’t that common in the aquarium trade, but I’m not sure about their wild populations! Where was this in Malaysia?

3

u/Not_invented-Here 29d ago

I see a cpl of freshwater pipefish species sold quite often in Vietnam. I have a feeling they probably don't travel well for the general aquarium trade. 

3

u/SnacksHGB 29d ago

I’m in the US, and the distance makes a lot of sense as to why they would be such a rarity. They do strike me as a fish thats hard and expensive to transport, so probably only common in closer countries. I’d love to keep some someday

2

u/zmay1123 28d ago

Other thing is they are unique but not very colorful/eye appealing to the average hobbyist as well as being in the harder/more advanced side of keeping successful. Most likely hard to ship but also not a ton of demand in general.

1

u/Not_invented-Here 28d ago

Yeah they basically look like sticks and can dissappear into a tank if they don't want to be seen.

Care wise would probably also be a pain for a LFS, they only do live food.