First record of ornate ghost pipefish Solenostomus paradoxus from mainland India

Abstract

This study documents the first occurrence of a female ornate ghost pipefish, Solenostomus paradoxus (Pallas, 1770) from mainland India, collected at a depth of 40 m in the Arabian Sea. It provides the first detailed description of morphometric and meristic characteristics of this species from this region. Due to their small size, effective camouflage, and specific habitat needs, ornate ghost pipefish are challenging to study, and their solitary, seasonal behaviors further complicate research. This work adds valuable knowledge to the limited understanding of this elusive species and highlights the need for further exploration of underrepresented marine biodiversity.

Keywords

• False pipefish
• stellate ossification
• supraoccipital ridge
• spinules
• brood pouch
• cryptic camouflage