Ghost Pipefish - Solenostomidae
With their incredible ability to mimic their surroundings and their tiny size, it is not surprising that these spectacular critters are seldom spotted by divers.
Usually they are seen hovering next to their matching host, perfectly camouflaged. Their bodies are small and compressed, with large, often ornate fins. They can take on a wide variety of colours including red, white and yellow, depending on their surroundings.
Ghost Pipefish are also characterised by their hard body plates and tubular snouts, similar to the closely related seahorses.
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Family variety
Behaviour
In many regions Ghost Pipefish are only seasonal visitors, settling on the reef for only a few months each year to breed.
Reproduction
Diet
Defences
FACTFILE
SPECIES: >5
SIZE RANGE: 5-16 cm
DISTRIBUTION:
Global. Widespread throughout region, but hard to spot.
HABITAT:
Depending on the species, Ghost Pipefish mimic and live alongside a variety of hosts including: crinoids, soft corals, sea grass, hydroids and algae.
THREATS:
Most at threat from the aquarium trade and loss of habitat due to the overall decline of the world's reefs.
Identification tips
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Dorsal, ventral and caudal fins are large and often elaborate, helping to provide camouflage.
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Small anal and pectoral fins.
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Long tube like snout used for sucking in small planktonic prey.
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Body encased in bony plates. Colouration can vary greatly depending on their surroundings.
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Females form a ventral pouch by hooking together their fins and use it to brood their eggs.
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Entire body decorated with patterns, cirri or skin flaps to mimic their hosts.
Popular species
Ghost Pipefish are a magical find for the eagle-eyed diver. Here are some of the species to look out for.
Ornate Ghost Pipefish
(Solenostomus paradoxus)
These much photographed, beautiful fish shelter near overhangs and crevices, mimicking crinoids or soft corals. They can sometimes be spotted hanging in the current to feed. They come in a wide variety of colours including, black, white, red, yellow, brown and green.
Robust Ghost Pipefish
(Solenostomus cyanopterus)
Often seen floating upside down on a sand or rubble bottom mimicking sea grass or weeds. They are usually brown, green or dark red, with darker spots and markings.
Velvet Ghost Pipefish
(Solenostomus sp)
A newly identified species which may turn out to be a sub species of the Robust Ghost Pipefish. Members thought to be of this species are red or brown and small compared to Robust Ghost Pipefish, with less elaborate fins.
Negros & Dumaguete
Negros Island is a large island in the Visayas. It’s eastern shore is separated from Cebu by a narrow channel, while it’s west coast faces the Sulu Sea. Much of the diving is in the south of the island.
Like many of the Philippines dive spots, it is blessed with the combination of big fish encounters and fascinating smaller critters that will keep avid divers happy for many dives.
Southern Andaman
Thailand's southern Andaman sea boasts numerous beautiful islands & beaches, plus some great diving opportunities.
The southern Andaman region of Thailand is less developed than further north, offering a refreshingly relaxing alternative to the hustle & bustle of Phuket & even Ko Phi Phi.
Lankayan
The picturesque island of Lankayan is now regarded as one of Malaysia’s finest dive destinations.
The island, which is just off east the coast of Borneo in the Sulu Sea, has only one resort, ensuring uncrowded dive sites and plenty of relaxation.
Other fascinating species...
Ghost Pipefish - Solenostomidae
With their incredible ability to mimic their surroundings and their tiny size, it is not surprising that these spectacular critters are seldom spotted by divers.
Porcupine Pufferfish - Diodontidae
With their large expressive eyes & often curious nature, Porcupine Pufferfish are regular favourites with divers.
Batfish - Ephippidae
