Harlequin/Ornate Ghostpipe Fish

Description:

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. 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.

Notes:

The Ghostpipe Fish can be very well camouflaged among the surrounding they lives. Picture #2 shows them living among Yellow/White/Black crinoid and this is the coloration they have adapted to, to blend in very well with the Crinoid. To the untrained eyes, they can easily be missed!