ANIMAL SPECIES:Ornate Ghostpipefish, Solenostomus paradoxus (Pallas, 1770)
The Ornate Ghostpipefish is an unually shaped species that occurs in tropical and warm termperate waters of the Indo-west Pacific.
Identification
The Ornate Ghostpipefish can be recognised by its distinctive body form with slender appendages on the body and fins. It has deeply incised membranes in the dorsal, caudal and ventral fins.
Its colour varies from almost totally black to semi-transparent with red, yellow, and white scribbling, spots and blotches.
Size range
It grows to 10 cm in length.Distribution
It has a widespread distribution in tropical waters of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. The Ornate Ghostpipefish is usually solitary, but has also been observed in pairs or small groups.
In Australia this species has been recorded from Point Quobba, Western Australia, around the tropical north, and south to Shellharbour on the New South Wales coast. It is usually observed at depths between 3 m and 25 m.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Ornate Ghostpipefish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The species is found in protected coastal waters, especially near coral and rocky dropoffs. It is a common species that is easily overlooked because of its cryptic body form and colouration.
Classification
- Species:
- paradoxus
- Genus:
- Solenostomus
- Family:
- Solenostomidae
- Order:
- Gasterosteiformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
References
- Allen, G.R & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Seahorses, Pipefishes and their Relatives. A Comprehensive Guide to Syngnathiformes. TMC Publishing Pp. 240.
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Ornate Ghostpipefish, Solenostomus paradoxus View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
An Ornate Ghostpipefish at Kimbe Bay View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
An Ornate Ghostpipefish at North Solitary Island View full size
Ian Shaw
© Ian Shaw
Two Ornate Ghostpipefish at North Solitary Island View full size
Ian Shaw
© Ian Shaw
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