Sexing Doryrhamphus dactyliophorus Pipefish

[Bojan]

I would like to know if there is an easy way to tell the sex of a Doryrhamphus dactyliophorus Pipefish.

[danfrith]

Hard to tell when it comes to this species. I've heard a few speculations on how to determine the sex like color of tail and size but I am not sure. Since all pipefish species have the male carry the eggs you could try to determine a difference in the under belly of the two. If you do have a compatible pair and they are getting enough food, not stressed and overall comfortable thye should spawn in no later than a month. If they do not spawn then i would substitue in another specimen. The eggs are on the under belly of the male and usually a reddish color. Good luck.