WHATSTHATFISH
Bony fish

Harlequin Ghostpipefish

Solenostomus paradoxus

Also known as: False Pipefish, Harlequin Ornate Ghostpipefish, Ornate Ghostpipefish, Tubemouth Fish

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2026
Adult
@fishx6 · Lembeth Resort, Indonesia · June 20061 / 28
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Overview

Found singly, pairs, or family groups, floating with head down amongst crinoids, betweenbranches of gorgonians, and floating weeds, in current prone areas along reef edges. Colour variable blending in with surroundings.

Ghostpipefish swim with heads down searching near the bottom for crustaceans. They can usually be found amongst seagrass, between the arms of criniods, black corals and gorgonians, feather stars or hover between sea urchin's spines for protection and camouflage.
One of the oceans most beautiful creatures!

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How to identify

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Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Indo-West Pacific
  • Country only · 28
LIVES IN

Found singly, pairs, or family groups, floating with head down amongst crinoids, betweenbranches of gorgonians, and floating weeds, in current prone areas along reef edges.

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Adult photos 28

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Discussion 2

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ALL STAGES
FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS

Deep dive

Taxonomy

  1. kingdomAnimalia
  2. phylumChordata
  3. classTeleostei
  4. orderSyngnathiformes
  5. familySolenostomidae
  6. genusSolenostomus
  7. speciesSolenostomus paradoxus (Pallas, 1770)

SourcesWoRMSFishBase

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More in the family

Ghostpipefishes (Solenostomidae)