Harlequin Ghost Pipefish
Solenostomus paradoxus
- Group: Seahorse
- Typical depth: 4–35 m
- Max size: 12 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
Few fish vanish as completely as the harlequin ghost pipefish, which drifts head down among gorgonians, crinoids and floating weed, its frilled body matching whatever it hides in. It hangs almost motionless in current swept reef edges, sucking up mysids and tiny shrimp through a long snout. The female broods the eggs in a pouch formed by her pelvic fins.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Syngnathiformes › Solenostomidae › Solenostomus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 217976.
FAQ
- How deep does the Harlequin Ghost Pipefish live?
- The Harlequin Ghost Pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus) is typically found at 4–35 m.
- Is the Harlequin Ghost Pipefish dangerous to divers?
- The Harlequin Ghost Pipefish is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Harlequin Ghost Pipefish get?
- The Harlequin Ghost Pipefish grows to about 12 cm.