Ghost Pipefish: Spirit of the Sea
Ghost pipefish are captivating marine creatures closely related to seahorses and true pipefish, distinguished by their elongated, slender bodies and tubular snouts. These unique features help them blend seamlessly into their surroundings, making them masters of camouflage.
There are six recognized species, with several more undetermined. You can find most of them in the biodiverse tropical waters of the Lembeh Strait. With their wandering migrations, creative camouflage, and captivating behavior, these remarkable creatures embody the spirit of the sea.
In this article, we take a closer look at ghost pipefish, to find out where they live, how they breed, what they eat, and what makes them one of the most magical species to see in the Lembeh Strait. Let’s dive in.
What species of ghost pipefish can I find in Lembeh?
Good news! All six of the recognized ghost pipefish species can sometimes be seen in the Lembeh Strait – so you’re in for a treat the next time you visit! Here’s a closer look at each of them in turn:
- Ornate ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus)
One of the most eye-catching and familiar ghost pipefish species, often found near crinoids. With their vivid colors and ornate, spiny fins, they’re a perfect subject for underwater photographers. - Robust ghost pipefish (Solenostomus cyanopterus)
Among the more frequently encountered species, the robust ghost pipefish blends seamlessly into seagrass beds thanks to their brown to green coloration. Their seagrass-mimicking movement in the current makes them exceptionally well-camouflaged. - Rough-snout ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paegnius)
Recognizable by the fine, hair-like filaments covering their bodies, these pipefish vary in color from reddish-brown to pale green. They are typically seen in areas rich in filamentous algae, which matches their texture and coloration. - Delicate ghost pipefish (Solenostomus leptosomus)
A rarer find in Lembeh, this nearly translucent species is distinguished by a fine white stripe running the length of its slender body. They often inhabit transitional zones between reefs and sandy bottoms. - Halimeda ghost pipefish (Solenostomus halimeda)
Named for its resemblance to the Halimeda algae it hides among, this species has adopted both the green coloration and segmented shape of the plant. It often sports small reddish filaments that enhance its camouflage. - Velvet ghost pipefish (Solenostomus sp.)
A rare and captivating species, noted for its rounded, sponge-like shape and broad spectrum of coloration. It has the ability to mimic various types of encrusting sponges, making it difficult to spot – but all the more rewarding when you do find one!
(Above) an ornate ghost pipefish next to a crinoid in the Lembeh Strait (photo: Jacob Guy)
Where do ghost pipefish live?
Ghost pipefish are mainly found in shallow tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, mainly near coral reefs, rocky drop-offs, or seaweed beds. Most ghost pipefish species spend the early part of their lives floating around the ocean as juveniles. This allows them to travel great distances, before seeking out mates on reefs as adults. Anytime you see an adult ghost pipefish on your diving holiday in North Sulawesi, it’s worth remembering that they – like you – have probably traveled a great distance to get there.
Ghost pipefish generally prefer areas without strong currents, especially sheltered bays and ‘muck’ sites. This makes the Lembeh Strait the perfect place for them! When diving with us, keep your eyes peeled around small outcrops of coral, algae, or sponges on sandy slopes. Our dive guides at Lembeh Resort are experts at spotting ghost pipefish in their natural habitat, and will be happy to help you find them.
What do ghost pipefish look like?
Despite many obvious similarities, ghost pipefish do not actually belong to the same taxonomic group as pipefish and seahorses. They all belong to the same order (Sygnathiformes), but the two groups have diverged into distinct families; ghost pipefishes belong to the family Solenostomidae, whilst pipefish and seahorses are classed as Sygnathidae.
Ghost pipefish can be found in many different shapes, sizes, and colors, making them excellent subjects for underwater photography. Their appearance is truly unique, combining a horse-like head, prehensile tail, independently moving eyes, and brood pouch (in the females). Their faces are characterized by long, tubular snouts and small, toothless mouths, while their bodies are protected by consecutive rings of bony plates.
(Above) A pair of ornate ghost pipefish, perfectly camouflaged against their background (photo: Ross Makulec)
How do they use mimicry and camouflage?
Many ghost pipefish use complex mimicry to blend into their surroundings; this camouflage helps them avoid predators and also ambush unsuspecting prey. Many species have taken this ability to extremes, evolving eye-catching flanges, leaf-like appendages, and complex coloration that makes them almost impossible to spot in their preferred habitats.
For example, the ornate pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus), also known as the Harlequin ghost pipefish, blends perfectly into the frilled tentacles of crinoids (feather stars), while the robust pipefish (Solenostomus cyanopterus) looks exactly like a piece of seagrass drifting along the ocean floor. Some species can even slowly change their color to match their background – such as sponges, seagrass, crinoids, and corals – which makes these incredible marine creatures masters of disguise!
What do they eat and how do they feed?
Ghost pipefish mostly feed on tiny crustaceans and other small marine organisms, like mysid shrimp. With their elongated snouts, they use a rapid sucking motion to capture prey. In the Lembeh Strait, we sometimes see them moving along the substrate or positioning themselves vertically among the fronds of aquatic vegetation, where they lie in wait for unsuspecting targets.
(Above) A pair of bright green robust ghost pipefish with eggs visible through the pelvic fin of the larger female (photo: Jennifer Penner / Newmediasoup)
How do ghost pipefish reproduce?
It is well-known that in seahorses and pipefish, the male incubates and gives birth to the young. However, in ghost pipefish, these roles are reversed again, with the slightly larger female carrying the eggs in a brood pouch. If you look closely from behind, you might see her gently moving her pelvic fins to aerate the eggs.
After birth, juvenile ghost pipefish drift in the open ocean – on blackwater dives at Lembeh Resort, they sometimes appear out of the darkness (a truly unforgettable sight!). When fully grown, adult ghost pipefish seek out reefs and substrate to search for mates. As a result, you can normally spot them together in breeding pairs. So if you’re diving in Lembeh and see one ghost pipefish, keep an eye out – you’re likely to see another one close by!
(Above) The larger female carries her eggs in a brood pouch close to her pelvic fins (photo: Jacob Guy)
Are ghost pipefish endangered?
While none of the ghost pipefish are officially recognized as endangered species, they face various threats – from habitat loss to pollution and climate change. Protecting their habitats, such as the seagrass beds, muck sites, and coral reefs of the Lembeh Strait, is crucial for their survival. At Lembeh Resort, we regularly monitor and maintain these habitats, to support the well-being of ghost pipefish and the many other incredible critters that share our home.
Want to know more? Check out our Lembeh Learning Series on YouTube, where you can view footage of these intriguing creatures, taken right here in Lembeh! You can find the episode about ghost pipefish here.
