Animalia Life

Solenostomus paradoxus
FAMILY
Solenostomidae
TAXONOMY
Fistularia paradoxa Pallas, 1770, Indonesia.
OTHER COMMON NAMES
English: Harlequin ghost pipefish.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
A morphologically remarkable fish. Body is very slender and straight, and head is very elongate, about one-third the total length. Mouth terminal, small, and upturned. Eyes round. First dorsal fin situated over pelvic fins, with five very long spines; second dorsal fin more posterior, with 17–23 rays. Anal fin opposite second dorsal, with 17–22 rays; pectoral fins inconspicuous, with 24 rays; pelvic fins located just anterior to the middle of the body, with seven rays; caudal fin large and spur-shaped when rays are extended. There are numerous dermal projections on snout, trunk, and tail. Body encased in 31–35 segmented bony plates. Coloration spectacular and ornate. Background color varies from white or semitransparent to black, with elaborate pattern of red, orange, white, or yellow spots, blotches, and stripes. Reaches some 4.7 in (12 cm).
DISTRIBUTION
Present in much of the Indo-West Pacific Ocean from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Marshall Islands and New Caledonia; occurs as far north as southern Japan and as far south as Australia.
HABITAT
Usually found in coral reef habitats (down to about 115 ft, or 35 m, in depth) among gorgonian corals, weeds, and algae or with crinoids over sand, along reef edges, or in sheltered coastal waters and estuaries.
BEHAVIOR
Typically a solitary species, but small groups of up to six individuals have been observed. This species is highly camouflaged, blending in very well with many different backgrounds. Young are mostly pelagic, but adults are more benthic; post-pelagic specimens are more transparent. Individuals may hover in a near vertical position when they are among gorgonians or other substrates.
FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET
Feeds on mysids, small shrimps, and other benthic crustaceans. Predators unknown but presumably larger reef-dwelling fishes.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
In contrast to other syngnathoids, females carry the brood in a pouch that is formed by the enlarged pelvic fins (which are missing from other syngnathoids). Eggs are numerous, small, spherical, and somewhat transparent. Females fan the eggs by opening and closing their pelvic fins. Young are expelled from the pouch at birth. Other details concerning their reproduction are unknown.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Not listed by the IUCN.
SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS
Sometimes kept as an aquarium fish; otherwise this species has no commercial value.

Other popular Animals