Harlequin ghost pipefish

Solenostomus paradoxus

The ornate ghost pipefish or harlequin ghost pipefish, ''Solenostomus paradoxus'', is a false pipefish of the family Solenostomidae. The species name comes from the Greek ''paradoxos'', referring to this fish's unusual external features. Ornate ghost pipefish are found in the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean along reef edges prone to strong currents.
Harlequin ghost pipefish - Solenostomus paradoxus Mandarin House Reef, Lembeh. I think is a beautiful female in need for a gentleman! :-) Geotagged,Harlequin ghost pipefish,Indonesia,Solenostomus paradoxus,Spring

Appearance

They reach a maximum length of 12 cm. They vary in color from red or yellow to black and are almost transparent. They feed mostly on mysids and benthic shrimp. Females carry the eggs in their pelvic fins that are modified to form a brood pouch. Although relatively common, ornate ghost pipefish are very well-camouflaged and difficult to find.
Mixed Marriage This pair of Harlequin Ghostpipefish - Solenostomus paradoxus seems to have their colours mixed up. Usually, once they are settled to the coral reefs, they will take on the colours of their surrounding, be it Feather Stars, Crinoids or other corals. However, this pair is yellow/green and the other black. Geotagged,Ghostpipefish,Harlequin ghost pipefish,Maldives,Solenostomus paradoxus,Winter

Status

The IUCN conservation status of ''Solenostomus paradoxus'' has not been evaluated.

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionChordata
ClassActinopterygii
OrderSyngnathiformes
FamilySolenostomidae
GenusSolenostomus
SpeciesS. paradoxus
Photographed in
Indonesia
Maldives
Malaysia
Philippines