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Halimeda ghost pipefish (Solenostomus halimeda) — Solenostomidae

Halimeda ghost pipefish

Solenostomus halimeda

The Halimeda ghost pipefish (Solenostomus halimeda) is a saltwater fish of the family Solenostomidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–23.0 m
Body shape
Irregular
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Halimeda ghost pipefish is a ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a flattened, angular body with large, transparent fins and a tubular snout; in colour and shape it stunningly mimics the calcareous alga Halimeda, hanging almost invisible among its segments. Head down, it 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 Halimeda ghost pipefish?

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

Where does the Halimeda ghost pipefish live?

The Halimeda ghost pipefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Halimeda ghost pipefish get?

The Halimeda ghost pipefish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Halimeda ghost pipefish dangerous to humans?

No, the Halimeda ghost pipefish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Halimeda-spooknaaldvis sourced
English name
Halimeda ghost pipefish sourced
Scientific name
Solenostomus halimeda
Family
Solenostomidae
Other names
Halimeda ghostpipefish sourced

Appearance

Max length (cm)
6 sourced
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
Max depth (m)
23.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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