Solenostomus paradoxus

Solenostomus paradoxus
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Syngnathiformes
Family: Solenostomidae
Genus: Solenostomus
Species:
S. paradoxus
Binomial name
Solenostomus paradoxus
(Pallas, 1770)
Synonyms
  • Fistularia paradoxa Pallas, 1770
  • Solenostomatichthys paradoxus (Pallas, 1770)

The ornate ghost pipefish or harlequin ghost pipefish, Solenostomus paradoxus, is a false pipefish of the familySolenostomidae. The species' name comes from the Greek paradoxos, referring to this fish's unusual external features. With its common name, ghost, referring to its ability to disguise itself and appear and disappear quickly. Alluding to the fact that even though it’s a relatively common fish, ornate ghost pipefish are very well-camouflaged and difficult to find.