---
title: Bluestripe Pipefish (Doryrhamphus excisus)
scientific_name: Doryrhamphus excisus
common_name: Bluestripe Pipefish
taxon: Pipefishes
conservation_status: LC - Least Concern
published: 2024-10-30T14:48:21.470Z
updated: 2026-08-08T21:24:36.651Z
tags: Bluestripe Pipefish, Doryrhamphus excisus, Pipefishes, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/pipefishes/bluestripe-pipefish
---

# Bluestripe Pipefish (*Doryrhamphus excisus*)

## Quick facts

- **Group:** Pipefishes (*Syngnathinae*)
- **Size:** 7 cm
- **Conservation status:** LC - Least Concern

Doryrhamphus excisus, commonly referred to as the blue-striped pipefish or blue-and-orange cleaner pipefish, is a distinguished species of flagtail pipefish within the genus Doryrhamphus. This species is widely distributed across much of the Indo-Pacific region as well as the tropical Eastern Pacific.

Characterized by its distinct bluish mid-lateral stripe set against an orange or reddish body, Doryrhamphus excisus is further notable for its fan-shaped tail. The caudal fin is rounded with a white outline and predominantly black interior. The species exhibits an elongated snout, with males featuring a series of bumps and hooks on the upper surface, whereas females possess a smooth snout. Both males and females typically attain a length of approximately 7 cm, with males reaching maturity at around 31 mm.

Doryrhamphus excisus boasts a broad geographic range, spanning from the Persian Gulf to the coastlines of Central and South America. The species inhabits reef crevices in the Indo-Pacific and Western Pacific and has also been identified within tidal pools.

In ecological interactions, Doryrhamphus excisus engages in symbiotic relationships by inspecting larger fish for parasites. Males of the species may engage in competitive interactions, and they often hover in pairs. This pair activity is characterized by undulating swimming motions above the substrate, likely serving to attract larger fish for cleaning. Observations have noted these pipefish removing parasites from moray eels.

Reproductive behaviors include females depositing eggs into the male's brooding pouch, located on the underside of the male. This pouch provides the eggs with necessary oxygen and nutrients during development.

The diet of the blue-and-orange cleaner pipefish primarily comprises zooplankton, benthic invertebrates, and parasites collected from other fish species. Its specialized tube-like snout facilitates efficient feeding by allowing the rapid intake of water, capturing prey within.

## Also known as

- **English:** bluestripe pipefish, Pacific Blue-stripe Pipefish, fantail pipefish
- **French:** Aiguille de mer à bande bleue, Syngnathe à bande bleue
- **Spanish:** pez pipa chico
- **Portuguese:** Peixe-cachimbo-de-linha-azul
- **Czech:** jehla harlekýnská
- **Japanese:** ヒバシヨウジ
- **Chinese:** 波斯灣矛吻海龍, 海龍, 藍帶矛吻海龍
- **Russian:** Синеполосая игла-дорирамф
- **TAH:** tia'i pape

## Scientific synonyms

- *Doryhamphus excises* Kaup, 1856
- *Doryhamphus excises excises* Kaup, 1856
- *Doryichthys californiensis* (Gill, 1862)
- *Doryichthys excisus* (Kaup, 1856)
- *Doryichthys melanopleura* (Bleeker, 1858)
- *Doryichthys pleurotaenia* Günther, 1880
- *Doryramphus excisus* (Kaup, 1856)
- *Doryrhamhus melanopleura* (Bleeker, 1858)
- *Doryrhamphus californiensis* Gill, 1862
- *Doryrhamphus excisus excisus* Kaup, 1856
- *Doryrhamphus melanopleura* (Bleeker, 1858)
- *Doryrhamphus melanopleura cooki* Weed & Woods, 1953
- *Doryrhamphus melanopleura melanopleura* (Bleeker, 1858)
- *Doryrhamphus melanopleura pleurotaenia* (Günther, 1880)
- *Doryrhamphus pleurotaenia* (Günther, 1880)
- *Microphis extensus* Snyder, 1911
- *Microphis mayottae* Fourmanoir, 1955
- *Microphis melanopleura* (Bleeker, 1858)
- *Microphis pleurotaenia* (Günther, 1880)
- *Syngnathus melanopleura* Bleeker, 1858

## Range

Comoros, Eritrea, Indian Ocean, Kenya, Mozambique, Red Sea, Republic of Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/pipefishes/bluestripe-pipefish)*
*Updated: August 8, 2026*