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.

Ghost pipefish identification

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Diet

Ghost Pipefish feed on minute crustaceans and other plankton, which are sucked up though their tube like snouts.

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.

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.



Where to find

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.

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