Solenostomus leptosoma Tanaka, 1908
Delicate ghostpipefish
photo by Henke, M.

Family:  Solenostomidae (Ghost pipefishes)
Max. size:  10 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Mauritius, Japan, Indonesia and Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 5-5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-21; Anal soft rays: 18-21. Description: Characterized by generally reddish or red brown to dark brown color with whitish mottling, irregular spots and patches; middle of side usually with horizontal whitish streak; body depth 11.8-19.1 % SL; least snout depth 4.9-6.1 % SL; depth of caudal peduncle 3.8-7.4 % SL; length of caudal peduncle 4.8-12.4 % SL; length of caudal fin 28.8-42.6 % SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found along the reef's edge, bordering on open sand substrates (Ref. 48635). Mostly pelagic until they settle on the substrate for breeding (Ref. 48635). Females carry the eggs in their pelvic fins that are modified to form a brood pouch (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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