Solenostomus

The fish genus Solenostomus belongs to the family Syngnathiformes and is often referred to as the ghost pipefish, fake pipefish, or tube mouth fish. The family Solenostomidae contains only one genus, Solenostomus, which is home to six currently identified species. Seahorses and pipefish are relatives of ghost pipefish. They can be found in the Indo-tropical Pacific waters.

The mouths of the animals, none of which are longer than 17 centimeters, are looking downward as they float practically motionlessly against a background that makes it difficult to view them. Through their long nose, they consume microscopic crustaceans for food. Except for while reproducing, when they seek out a coral reef or muddy bottom, they spend their lives in open waters. To reduce visibility, they change their color and shape.

They resemble pipefishes in many ways but can be recognized by the inclusion of pelvic fins, a pronounced, spiny dorsal fin, and star-shaped skin plates. Unlike true pipefish, female ghost pipefishes brood their eggs until they hatch using their enlarged pelvic fins.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Family: Solenostomidae