Harlequin ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus)

Scientific name: Solenostomus paradoxus Pallas, 1770

Harlequin ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus)

The Harlequin ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus) is a marine fish of the family Solenostomidae. Native range: Indo-West Pacific, Red Sea and East Africa to Fiji, north to southern Japan, south to southeast Australia and New Caledonia. Recently recorded from Tonga.

Biology

Dorsal spines: 5; Dorsal soft rays: 17-21; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 17 - 21; Vertebrae: 32 - 33. Post-pelagic are almost fully transparent and more slender compared to those established in the benthic phase. Variable in color from black to red and yellow, usually in a mix of bands and spots. Total body number of plates 31-35. Caudal fin truncate, rounded or lanceolate. Caudal fins of females modified into brood pouch.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Solenostomus paradoxus
Family
Solenostomidae (Ghost pipefishes)
Order
Syngnathiformes (Pipefishes and Seahorses)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
12.0
Environment
Marine; reef-associated
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to Fiji, north to southern Japan, south to southeast Australia and New Caledonia. Recently recorded from Tonga.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: public aquariums

More other marine fish

See all other marine fish

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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