Ornate Harlequin Ghostpipefish

Solenostomus paradoxus

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Syngnathiformes
Family: Solenostomidae
Genus: Solenostomus
Species: Solenostomus paradoxus

The ornate harlequin ghostpipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus) is one of the most spectacular macro subjects on the reef, a lacy, spiny fish decorated in reds, yellows, whites and blacks. Its fins are covered in branching filaments and spots, giving it a delicate, ornamental look.

Adults grow to around 10-12 cm and usually hover head-down beside feather stars, black corals or sea fans, blending in with their host. Pairs are often found together, with the larger female carrying her eggs in a pouch made by her fused pelvic fins.

It occurs widely across the Indo-West Pacific, including the Philippines, where it is a favourite of underwater photographers and is regularly found next to crinoids and sea fans on sandy slopes.