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Robust ghost pipefish (Solenostomus cyanopterus) — Solenostomidae

Robust ghost pipefish

Solenostomus cyanopterus

The Robust ghost pipefish (Solenostomus cyanopterus) is a saltwater fish of the family Solenostomidae that grows up to 17 cm.

Length
17 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–25.0 m
Body shape
Irregular
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Australia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Christmas I., Comoros, Mayotte and others

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Description

The robust ghost pipefish is a ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 16 cm and has a flattened, angular body with large, transparent fins and a long, tubular snout; in colour and shape it perfectly mimics a drifting blade of seagrass or weed. It often hangs head-down near the bottom and sucks up small zooplankton and crustaceans. The female broods the eggs in a pouch formed from her pelvic fins. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Robust ghost pipefish?

The Robust ghost pipefish has an irregular in shape body and is mainly green.

Where does the Robust ghost pipefish live?

The Robust ghost pipefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Australia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Christmas I., Comoros, Mayotte and others

How big does the Robust ghost pipefish get?

The Robust ghost pipefish grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.

Is the Robust ghost pipefish dangerous to humans?

No, the Robust ghost pipefish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Robust ghost pipefish (Solenostomus cyanopterus) — Solenostomidae — 2
Joycelyn Goh (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — AM
Robust ghost pipefish (Solenostomus cyanopterus) — Solenostomidae — 3
Joycelyn Goh (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — AM
Robust ghost pipefish (Solenostomus cyanopterus) — Solenostomidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) uwkwaj, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Robust ghost pipefish (Solenostomus cyanopterus) — Solenostomidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Steve Childs (CC BY 2.0)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Robust ghost pipefish sourced
Scientific name
Solenostomus cyanopterus
Family
Solenostomidae
Other names
Ghost pipefish; Robust ghostpipefish; Rough-snout ghostpipefish; Blue-finned ghost pipefish; Racek's ghost pipefish; Squaretail ghost-pipefish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17.0 verified
Body shape
Irregular sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Beak-shaped sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
25.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Australia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Christmas I., Comoros, Mayotte and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Solenostomus

More from the family Solenostomidae

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