The Ghost pipefish is one of those sea creatures that divers simply love , mainly due to the fact that these tiny creatures are so difficult to spot, blending in so well with their surroundings, that often the only way to see ghost pipefish is to dive with an experienced dive master who knows where they live on the reef. The second reason for these creatures being so popular with divers is that they are simply stunning and unusual creatures to look at, as they hover motionlessly upside down looking like an extension of the coral behind it.
Ghost Pipefish also better known as False Pipefish or Tube mouth Fish, are in fact not members of the Pipefish family, but are closely related to the Pipefish and sea horse family, which is perhaps why the Ghost Pipefish while having the long tube-like snout taking up 1/3 of its size is similar to the pipefish, and its body covered with external plates making its appearance and size more like a seahorse.
They are found in tropical waters of the Indian Ocean primarily and also known to be found in the western pacific up to Japan. Ghost Pipefish are tiny creatures that grow no longer than 6 inches (15cm) and are found in waters ranging from 3-30m (9-98ft) mostly around coral reefs. Ghost Pipefish feed on tiny crustaceans like shrimp, mysids (opossum shrimps) and benthic creatures that live in the substrate or seabed. These creatures are almost vacuumed up into the Ghost Pipefish’s long snout.
Ghost pipefish spend most of their lives with their head/mouth facing downwards, floating near motionlessly around coral or rocks that they blend in with making them nearly impossible to see. These fascinating creatures are also known to change their color to blend in with their backgrounds, and additionally change their shape as well, adding to their mystery and intrigue.
Some of the more well-known types of Ghost Pipefish are the Ornate, Robust and the Rough Ghost Pipefish.
Ornate Ghost Pipefish (Harlequin Ghost Pipefish)
The Ornate Ghost pipefish also known as the Harlequin Ghost Pipefish is probably the most easily identifiable type of Ghost Pipefish, owing to its elaborate form, well developed fins and brighter variable colors and spots or bands make it a prize for underwater photographers and scuba divers. Ornate Ghost Pipefish are normally found close to featherstars, soft coral, sea pens and black coral and grow up to 11cms in length.
Robust Ghost Pipefish
Varies from Green to brown and is known to mimic the appearance of rotting sea grass or sea weed and is very difficult to spot. This species of Ghost Pipefish grows up to 15cms (6 inches) and is found in lagoons and coastal bays and areas containing sea grass.
Rough Ghost Pipefish
The Rough Ghost pipefish grows to 12cms in length and is reddish brown and covered with rough scales that make it look like algae.
Photo Credits: photos by PacificKlaus, Nick Hobgood,Stephen Childs,ray ellersick on flickr
