Ghost Pipefish - Solenostomidae

Ghost pipefish identification
Ghost Pipefish Identification Image
Family variety
Family Variety: There are currently 5 officially recognised species in the Ghost Pipefish family. Because of the lack of academic research and their cryptic nature, the list of different species is far from conclusive. All members of this family are small, and have a similar basic body shape but can vary considerably in camouflage and colouration.
Size
The smallest Ghost Pipefish is the Halimeda Ghost Pipefish (Solenostomus halimeda) with adults only 5cm long, the largest is the Robust Ghost Pipefish (Solenostomus cyanopterus) which can grow as long as 16cm.
Behaviour
Ghost Pipefish often hang upside down while feeding. The unassuming prey is sucked up at the last minute through the specially adapted snout. They tend to make their homes in current swept areas, close to a steady stream of food.

In many regions Ghost Pipefish are only seasonal visitors, settling on the reef for only a few months each year to breed.
Distribution
Ghost Pipefish are found in shallow tropical seas throughout the Asia Pacific region. Certain species are relatively common on some of Asiaís reefs, but a good eye is needed to spot them.
Habitat
Depending on the species, Ghost Pipefish mimic and live alongside a variety of hosts including: crinoids, soft corals, sea grass, hydroids and algae.
Diet
Ghost Pipefish feed on minute crustaceans and other plankton, which are sucked up though their tube like snouts.
Reproduction
It is the female Ghost Pipefish who incubates the eggs in a pouch created by hooking together their ventral fins. In both Seahorses and Pipefish, which are closely related, it is the male who performs this role. After incubation, the eggs are released into the water column and are planktonic, travelling with the currents until they find a suitable reef to inhabit.
Defences
Most members use their incredible camouflage as their best line of defence. Their hard body plates also make them difficult to swallow for many smaller predators.
Threats
Ghost Pipefish are not considered to be delicious and unlike their cousins the seahorses are not prized for their medicinal powers, so they are rarely fished. They are most at threat from the aquarium trade and loss of habitat due to the overall decline of the worldís reefs.
Did You Know?
Female Ghost Pipefish can be up to twice as large as males and groups of smaller males are often seen accompanying a larger female as she produces and incubates the eggs.
Intro

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.

Popular species 1

Ornate Ghost Pipefish

(Solenostomus paradoxus)

Ornate Ghostpipefish

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.

Popular species 2

Robust Ghost Pipefish

(Solenostomus cyanopterus)

Robust Ghostpipefish

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.

Popular species 3

Velvet Ghost Pipefish

(Solenostomus sp)

Velvet Ghostpipefish

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.

Popular species

Ghost Pipefish are a magical find for the eagle-eyed diver. Here are some of the species to look out for.

Related Dive Spots
Southern Andaman
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FACTFILE

speciesSPECIES:   >5

sizeSIZE RANGE:   5-16 cm

distributionDISTRIBUTION:

Global. Widespread throughout region, but hard to spot.

habitatHABITAT:

Depending on the species, Ghost Pipefish mimic and live alongside a variety of hosts including: crinoids, soft corals, sea grass, hydroids and algae.

threatsTHREATS:

Most at threat from the aquarium trade and loss of habitat due to the overall decline of the world's reefs.

Identification tips

  • Dorsal, ventral and caudal fins are large and often elaborate, helping to provide camouflage.

  • Small anal and pectoral fins.

  • Long tube like snout used for sucking in small planktonic prey.

  • Body encased in bony plates. Colouration can vary greatly depending on their surroundings.

  • Females form a ventral pouch by hooking together their fins and use it to brood their eggs.

  • Entire body decorated with patterns, cirri or skin flaps to mimic their hosts.

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