Ornate Ghost Pipefish

Solenostomus paradoxus possesses the elongate snout and laterally compressed body that are typical of all syngnathoid fishes. More specific to the solenostomids is a dermal skeleton composed of stellate plates, a head region that represents over one third of the total body length and the presence of pelvic fins, two separate dorsal fins, an anal fin and a large ventral fin. Solenostomus paradoxus is further distinguished by the presence of abdominal spinules, additional plates at the dorsal- and anal-fin bases and the presence of nasal lamellae filling the nasal cavity of males. There is no body color representative of S. paradoxus. Typical color patterns include dark red with yellow and orange splotches and yellow with lighter spots.

The Harlequin Ghost Pipefish is sexually dimorphic. Female S. paradoxus average 130 mm; males on average are 37% smaller. The main difference between males and females is the presence of a ventral brood pouch in females. This difference is most noticeable in the margins of the pelvic fins which are apposed in females and free in males (Wetzel and Wourms, 1995; Orr and Fritzsche, 1993; http://www.austmus.gov.au/fishes/fishfacts/fish/sparadox.htm).

Other Physical Features: bilateral symmetry

Paradoxus is derived from the Greek, meaning contrary to expectation (Wetzel and Wourms, 1993).

Perception Channels: tactile ; chemical

No specific conservation measures are currently in effect.

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

This organism does not appear to adversely affect humans.

Underwater photographers and scuba divers are highly attracted to the unique appearance of Solenostomus paradoxus ( http://www.coralrealm.com/fish/ghostpipe.ihtml).

Solenostomus paradoxus is an ambush predator that feeds by sucking small aquatic organisms rapidly into the mouth ( http://www.britannica.com/bcom/eb/article/0/0,5716,61650+1+60134,00.html).

Solenostomus paradoxus can be found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. It has been observed in and around the Red Sea, the Maldives, Indonesia, southern Japan, the Marshall Islands, New Guinea, off the east coast of Africa and also off the east coast of Australia (Orr and Fritzsche, 1993).

Biogeographic Regions: indian ocean (Native ); pacific ocean (Native )

Solenostomus paradoxus is found in shallow tropical waters, mainly near coral reefs, rocky dropoffs or seaweed beds. S. Paradoxus is usually observed in 3-25 meters of water ( http://www.austmus.gov.au/fishes/fishfacts/fish/sparadox.htm; http://www.britannica.com/bcom/eb/article/0/0,5716,61650+1+60134,00.html).

Aquatic Biomes: reef ; coastal

Solenostomus paradoxus is an external skin-brooding species. Embryos are enclosed in an envelope and attached to special epidermal cells called cotylephores. In S. paradoxus, these cells occur only on the inside surface of the pelvic fins of females (the brooders in this species.) The pelvic fins of females are expanded and connect to the body and to each other in order to form a brood pouch. Females carry eggs in this pouch during the incubation period. This method allows the female to move her young to a site that is favorable for survival and also decreases the risk of predation during the developmental stage. Clutch size in S. paradoxus is variable. It has been estimated that a normal brood size may be as high as 350 (Wetzel et al., 1997; Wetzel and Wourms, 1995; Orr and Fritzsche, 1993).

Pelvic fins of females are modified as brood pouch for the reception of the eggs (Ref. 205).

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 (Ref. 48635). Total body number of plates 31-35. Caudal fin truncate, rounded or lanceolate. Caudal fins of females modified into brood pouch (Ref. 9829).Description: Characterized by body depth 13.1-23.4 % SL; least snout depth 2.8-5.6 % SL; depth of caudal peduncle 2.4-5.3 % SL; length of caudal peduncle 9.1-20.2 % SL; length of caudal fin 30.6-41.8 % SL; snout with short skin filaments; body and fins with jagged edges giving spiky appearance (Ref. 90102).

Dorsal spines (total): 5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17 - 21; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 17 - 21; Vertebrae: 32 - 33

Found on the continental shelf. Benthic species (Ref. 75154). Usually settles along reef edges in current-prone areas (Ref. 48635). Uncommon species found solitary or paired, among branches of gorgonians, floating weeds, or crinoids (Ref. 9710, 75154). Feeds mostly on mysids but also target small benthic shrimps (Ref. 48635).

Adults usually settle along reef edges in current-prone areas (Ref. 48635). Uncommon species found solitary or paired, among branches of gorgonians, floating weeds, or crinoids (Ref. 9710). They feed mostly on mysids but also target small benthic shrimps (Ref. 48635). Females carry the eggs in their pelvic fins that are modified to form a brood pouch (Ref. 205).

fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: public aquariums

分布於印度-西太平洋海域，西起紅海、東非，東至馬歇爾群島，北至日本，南至澳洲等附近海域。臺灣僅分布於南部海域。

小型魚類，偶為潛水捕獲，除學術研究及水族觀賞外，不具食用價值。

體延長而側扁；身體最高處位於背鰭硬棘部起點與腹鰭起點間；腹鰭至背鰭軟條部及臀鰭間之身體強烈縮窄。頭部延長；吻部亦延長呈扁管狀，背面無細鋸齒緣；身體及鰭皆具小薄瓣。口小，無齒，具單一觸鬚。背鰭兩個，彼此分離，第一背鰭具V弱硬棘，第二背鰭具17-21不分枝的軟條；臀鰭圓形，與背鰭軟條部相對，亦具有17-20不分枝的軟條；尾鰭圓形、截形或矛尖形；腹鰭大型，與背鰭硬棘部相對 ，雌魚可左右結合而膨大成一育兒囊。無側線。皮膚具數列星狀骨片。尾柄稍長。 體色多變，由黑色至紅色或黃色皆有；體側另散佈許多小點或斑帶。

主要棲息於海藻床或海草繁生的海域。具有模仿海藻形狀及色彩的行為，所以在體色上的變化十分顯著，可依棲息環境而有所不同。主要以浮游動物為主要食物，以吸食的方式來攝食。泳動的速度十分緩慢，為表層性魚類。

The ornate ghost pipefish or harlequin ghost pipefish, Solenostomus paradoxus, is a false pipefish of the family Solenostomidae. The species name comes from the Greek paradoxos, referring to this fish's unusual external features. Ornate ghost pipefish are found in the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean along reef edges prone to strong currents from the Red Sea to Tonga. They reach a maximum length of 12 cm. They vary in color from red or yellow to black and are almost transparent. Although relatively common, ornate ghost pipefish are very well-camouflaged and difficult to find. It occurs either as solitary individuals or in pairs, among the branches of gorgonians, in floating weeds, or crinoids where the feed on mysids and small benthic shrimp.

The IUCN conservation status of Solenostomus paradoxus has been evaluated as "Least Concern".