Velvet Ghostpipefish

Solenostomus sp.

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

The velvet ghostpipefish (Solenostomus sp.) is an undescribed ghostpipefish with a soft, velvety-looking skin covered in fine filaments. It is often red, orange, black or brown, and its fuzzy texture sets it apart from other ghostpipefish.

Usually 5-10 cm long, it often hides among sponges, hydroids or algae, or near sea fans, where its colour and texture make it hard to pick out. Like other ghostpipefish, the female carries the eggs in a pouch formed by her pelvic fins.

The velvet ghostpipefish is known from the western Pacific, including the Philippines, and is one of the rarer ghostpipefish finds on Philippine muck dives.