Harlequin ghost pipefish
📖 Overview
Adults usually settle along reef edges in current-prone areas . Uncommon species found solitary or paired, among branches of gorgonians, floating weeds, or crinoids . They feed mostly on mysids but also target small benthic shrimps . Females carry the eggs in their pelvic fins that are modified to form a brood pouch .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 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 . : other; Cross section: flattened.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Harlequin ghost pipefish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Pelvic fins of females are modified as brood pouch for the reception of the eggs .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 4 - 35 m . Tropical West Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to Fiji, north to southern Japan, south to southeast Australia and New Caledonia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fistularia paradoxa | Pallas | 1770 | Synonym |
| Solenostoma brachyurus | Bleeker | 1855 | Synonym |
| Solenostoma laciniatum | Willey | 1910 | Synonym |
| Solenostomatichthys paradoxus | Pallas | 1770 | Synonym |
| Solenostomus phantasticus | Herre | 1933 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 10 records indexed .
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