Thin Ghostpipefish

Description:

Also known as False Pipefish, Robust Ghostpipefish (although that is another species) and Velvet Ghostpipefish. They feed on small crustaceans, and grow to about 5cm in length. Their color varies from place to place, in order to blend in with surroundings.

Habitat:

Found in pairs or family groups, floating with head down mimicking seagrass on seagrass beds at the edge of reefs. Widespread in the West Pacific.

Notes:

Spotted this pair at a depth of 23 feet. When I approached the sandy ledge where they were perched, the two suddenly behaved as if they were dead seaweed, swaying with the gentle current. I wonder if this was a parent-child or a male-female pair...