Ornate Ghost Pipefish

Ornate Ghost Pipefish

Solenostomus paradoxus

Least Concern
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DESCRIPTION

The Ornate Ghost Pipefish is a master of camouflage, with a highly variable body coloration and intricate, leaf-like appendages that allow it to blend seamlessly with crinoids, corals, or algae in its tropical Indo-Pacific reef habitats. This ambush predator typically hovers head-down, feeding on small crustaceans like mysid shrimps and benthic shrimp, which it sucks into its elongated snout. Females are larger than males and carry eggs in a specialized brood pouch formed by their modified pelvic fins.

Max Length 15 cm
Max Weight 1.6 g
Lifespan 9 - 12 months
Habitat Seabed, coastal zone, and coral reef
Depth Range 3 - 40 m
Diet Specialized
Activity Unknown
Social Behavior Mixed behavour
TOP DESTINATIONS

Featured destinations to spot Ornate Ghost Pipefish

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely

Other destinations to spot Ornate Ghost Pipefish

Range

Where Ornate Ghost Pipefish has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Ornate Ghost Pipefish

Where can you see the Ornate Ghost Pipefish?

The Ornate Ghost Pipefish can be seen at 19 dive destinations in Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, and Maldives. The best spots include Anilao (Philippines), Kapalai (Malaysia), Koh Lipe (Thailand), Lankayan (Malaysia), and Mabul (Malaysia).

What is the best time to see the Ornate Ghost Pipefish?

Sightings of the Ornate Ghost Pipefish peak at different times depending on the destination: Anilao from March to October, Lankayan from April to October, Komodo from March to October, and Tubbataha Reefs in May.

Can you see the Ornate Ghost Pipefish all year round?

Yes. At Kapalai, Mabul, and Lembeh Strait, the Ornate Ghost Pipefish is seen all year round.

Where can you see the Ornate Ghost Pipefish in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, you can see the Ornate Ghost Pipefish at Kapalai, Lankayan, Mabul, and Sipadan.

Where can you see the Ornate Ghost Pipefish in Philippines?

In Philippines, you can see the Ornate Ghost Pipefish at Anilao, Apo Reef, Malapascua, and Tubbataha Reefs.

Where can you see the Ornate Ghost Pipefish in Thailand?

In Thailand, you can see the Ornate Ghost Pipefish at Koh Lipe, Koh Tao, Richelieu Rock, and Similan Islands.

How big does the Ornate Ghost Pipefish get?

The Ornate Ghost Pipefish can reach up to 15 cm in length and 1.6 g in weight.

What habitat does the Ornate Ghost Pipefish live in?

The Ornate Ghost Pipefish is found in these habitats: seabed, coastal zone, and coral reef.

How deep does the Ornate Ghost Pipefish live?

The Ornate Ghost Pipefish lives between 3 and 40 m deep.

What does the Ornate Ghost Pipefish eat?

Depends on a narrow, particular diet, often a single prey type or family, which binds it closely to one habitat.

How long does the Ornate Ghost Pipefish live?

The Ornate Ghost Pipefish lives 9 to 12 months.

What is the conservation status of the Ornate Ghost Pipefish?

The Ornate Ghost Pipefish is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Ornate Ghost Pipefish. Spotted something that looks off?

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