Ghost Pipefish
Well hidden, and beautifully colored, the Ghost Pipefish is an elusive, shy creature that swim slowly and purposefully through the sea, preferring the company of sponges and seafans to hide in along reef slopes and wrecks where a safe hiding place is never far away.
Related to seahorses, the Ghost Pipefish is differentiated from other pipefish by their developed fins. Other family members include the Ornate Pipefish and the Banded Pipefish.
Encounters
You will need an experienced Dive Master, or some serious luck, to encounter a Ghost Pipefish, however, when you see one, there's bound to be more, because Ghost Pipefish like to live in groups, often up to 5 or 6 individuals. Malaysia, the Maldives, Papua New Guinea and Richlieu Rock, Thailand. Favourites of photographers, they often make great subjects, if you can find one that is.
Scientific Name:
Solenostomidae
Diet:
shrimps, crustaceans, small fish, invertebrates
Facts:
Ghost Pipefish are weak swimmers;
are dimorphic: females are 35% bigger than males;
and unlike seahorses, females take care of eggs;
prefer waters between 3 and 25 meters deep
Research and Conservation Agencies
Though the Ghost Pipefish is rare, it is not endangered and no agencies specifically protect or research this creature